Cheslin Kolbe transfer causes salary cap irregularities in France

The fines, ‚¬50,000 for Toulouse and ‚¬70,000 for Toulon, both relate to the transfer of Cheslin Kolbe, who moved from Toulouse to Toulon in August 2021 two seasons before the end of his contract with Toulouse.

At the time, it was reported that Toulon had paid a ‚¬1.8m fee to release Kolbe from his contract two years early.

It is believed to be this aspect which has fallen foul of the Top 14's Salary Cap section of its disciplinary and regulatory committee. A hearing was convened for both clubs on October 9.

Both clubs have been, rather opaquely, fined for 'failures to comply with the general obligation of transparency and co-operation.' Toulouse's fine was suspended, but Toulon's was not.

The two clubs have been given seven days to appeal against the decision. Toulouse have not formally reacted to the decision, but Toulon look to be considering an appeal.

"(Toulon) takes note of the decisions of the Salary Cap section of the National Rugby League's Disciplinary and Regulatory Committee," read a statement.

"(The club) is pleased that none of the complaints made against it relating to exceeding the Salary Cap were upheld by the committee.

"With regard to the sanction imposed for failure to comply with the obligation of transparency and cooperation, (Toulon) reserves the right to appeal against this fine to the FFR Appeals Committee within the time allowed."

Kolbe has since departed Toulon after two successful seasons featuring 30 appearances and 10 tries. He is now playing in Japan for Tokyo Sungoliath.

The speedster also starred for the Springboks in 2023, helping them to win their fourth world title following a 12-11 triumph over the All Blacks in the final.

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