French champions Castres’ scrumhalf Rory Kockott told Canal Plus on Saturday he had changed his mind over a move to Heineken Cup champions Toulon and wished to remain at his present club.
The 27-year-old South African – the Top 14 player of last season after finishing leading points scorer – said that despite signing a pre-contract with Toulon he had decided it was a move not in the best interests of him or his family.
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What added spice to the remarks was that they came minutes before he took to the pitch in the Top 14 clash away with Toulon.
“I’ve finally decided to stay at Castres,” said Kockott, who was roundly booed and jeered when he lined up his first kick in the game which he missed.
“It is always nice to have several offers and I feel very grateful for that but I judged one to be better than the other.
“It is a decision that will benefit both me and my family.”
Kockott, who masterminded Castres’ 19-14 win over Toulon in last season’s French championship final, had signed the pre-contract with Toulon in October last year, agreeing to a three-year contract, although neither party had announced it officially.
Should Kockott indeed remain with Castres, they will be obliged to pay Toulon between a reported €300-400 000 in compensation.
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal joked about the figure that the club would receive.
“It brings back memories of the wonderful years when I used to go to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas,” said the comic book mogul.
“However, I never won as much money as this.”