Toulon signs Juan Smith

by whocares Mon Sep 02, 2013 11:19 am

oh dear...now they are clearly looking as a semi retirement house. apparently Juan Smith passed the physical test with some success, still just another publicity stunt after rocky elsom last year.

http://www.espnscrum.com/france-top-14-2013-14/rugby/story/195273.html

did they really a need a new backrower when they already have Masoe, Van Nierkerk, Lobbe, Armitage, Gunther and Bruni ...

by Artful_Dodger Mon Sep 02, 2013 11:40 am

BREAKING NEWS!

Toulon have announced that they are to sign every international rugby player on the planet for a fee 37 billion euros amid rumours that they are also planning to sign every Heineken Cup registered player in Europe for a fee of a further 29 billion euros. President Boudjelall has announced.

"What is the point in playing rugby when I can just buy the game because I am such a sad little man having a mid life crisis with nothing better to throw my money at!!??"

by Artful_Dodger Mon Sep 02, 2013 11:52 am

Toulon: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 David Smith, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Chris Masoe, 7 Pierrick Gunther, 6 Virgile Bruni, 5 Daniel Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Benjamin Noirot, 1 Andrew Sheridan,
Replacements: 16 Jean charles Orioli, 17 Xavier Chiocci, 18 Jocelino Suta, 19 Steffon Armitage, 20 Bryan Habana, 21 Maxime Mermoz, 22 Sebastien Tillous Borde, 23 Levan Chilachava.

Nice team you have there Mourad....shame they can't beat Grenoble!

by **George Carlin** Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:04 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Toulon have announced that they are to sign every international rugby player on the planet for a fee 37 billion euros amid rumours that they are also planning to sign every Heineken Cup registered player in Europe for a fee of a further 29 billion euros. President Boudjelall has announced.

"What is the point in playing rugby when I can just buy the game because I am such a sad little man having a mid life crisis with nothing better to throw my money at!!??"

by Cyril Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:21 pm

Hooray for Toulon!

Here's hoping for another Heineken Cup win.

They've been my fave club side for a while now.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:27 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:Toulon: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 David Smith, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Chris Masoe, 7 Pierrick Gunther, 6 Virgile Bruni, 5 Daniel Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Benjamin Noirot, 1 Andrew Sheridan,
Replacements: 16 Jean charles Orioli, 17 Xavier Chiocci, 18 Jocelino Suta, 19 Steffon Armitage, 20 Bryan Habana, 21 Maxime Mermoz, 22 Sebastien Tillous Borde, 23 Levan Chilachava.

Nice team you have there Mourad....shame they can't beat Grenoble!

by Artful_Dodger Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:47 pm

Cyril wrote:Hooray for Toulon!

Here's hoping for another Heineken Cup win.

They've been my fave club side for a while now.

How much is he paying you to support Toulon? Cheques for a few grand every month is it with a bonus if you proclaim your support for the club in public as often as possible?

by Cyril Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:58 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:
Cyril wrote:Hooray for Toulon!

Here's hoping for another Heineken Cup win.

They've been my fave club side for a while now.
How much is he paying you to support Toulon? Cheques for a few grand every month is it with a bonus if you proclaim your support for the club in public as often as possible?

I just like supporting the big, bad wolf Smile

by HammerofThunor Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:58 pm

I believe whocares posted the other day that Boudjelall hasn't put any money into Toulon for a few years as they turn a profit. If true he's not really spending anymore is he? If he has invested into his club to the point they're self sustaining with their player salary then kudos to him.

Onto this point, he hasn't played in 2 years and had previously retired from rugby completely. He now has the chance to:
a) make some retirement money.
b) get some game time in a tough league but big squad to potentially get up to speed before returning to South Africa.

The only problem I can see with this is that Toulon may be wasting their money if he doesn't come good. But it may be worth the risk from a fanancial point of view. I hope he gets up to speed this season and returns to South Africa at the end of it.

by Artful_Dodger Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:04 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:I believe whocares posted the other day that Boudjelall hasn't put any money into Toulon for a few years as they turn a profit. If true he's not really spending anymore is he? If he has invested into his club to the point they're self sustaining with their player salary then kudos to him.

Onto this point, he hasn't played in 2 years and had previously retired from rugby completely. He now has the chance to:
a) make some retirement money.
b) get some game time in a tough league but big squad to potentially get up to speed before returning to South Africa.

The only problem I can see with this is that Toulon may be wasting their money if he doesn't come good. But it may be worth the risk from a fanancial point of view. I hope he gets up to speed this season and returns to South Africa at the end of it.

That is laughable. Toulon has a population of 170'000 and a stadium not even big enough to host HC semi finals. The idea that they have spent the last 2 or 3 years recruiting from the clubs own money (baring in mind the number and quality of their signings) without help from Boudjelall is ludicrous. You are talking a good 500,000 euro a pop for these guys most of whom are signing 2 or 3 year contracts. Boudjelall has pumped obscene amounts of money into this club to get them from the second division to the HC final in the space of a few years and is continuing to do so.

by HammerofThunor Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:09 pm

I didn't make the claim. Just passing it on.

by HammerofThunor Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:15 pm

Found the original post

Whocares wrote:2.8 million euro is merely what toulon gets from the local tax payer through council and region incentives. They dont really pay for the stadium too. The current salary cap apply to the squad (40 players in average) and there is a way around it for the likes of toulon as some players earn direct money from sponsors or even royalties on merchandising or media appearance. Thats how perpignan financed Dan Carter back in the day. Transfer bonuses are also excluded from such cap so its pretty pointless anyway. They might change that and thats why toulon chief was recently unhappy.
For all the bad things said about toulon its one the few clubs that dont lose money in france (mourad hasnt been investing his own personal cash for a year now). They spend a lot on players yes but the rest of their expenses is pretty low and the guy know how to take care of a business, look for sponsors and cut costs. I dont like him but I respect that hard work. ambition and dedication.

by whocares Mon Sep 02, 2013 2:45 pm

dont think Juan Smith is on a lot of money, he probably got a nice signing bonus (less tax for the club) and an average salary (15k€/month?).
now Toulon has taken merchandising, media right sales to another level. they have a clear brand strategy based on gathering famous players. I mean you can even sponsor a specific player there.
till last year their overall budget was below Toulouse one by 10 million euros so they must be making savings somewhere. at the end of the day it is the only professional club that is managed as a real business in France.
Boudjedall sold his old comics business to concentrate in Toulon, he owns through a holding 51% of the club. this club hasnt been making a loss for 2 years and their budget is increasing this year closing the gap with Toulouse...I dont think he's losing some of his own money as he's not oil tycoon sitting on a big fat bank account.

by **George Carlin** Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:00 pm

It's also worth mentioning that a half-fit Juan Smith is potentially as good as a fully fit version of a lot of the blindsides playing in the league. He's only 32 and he's had the Achilles problem for so long that feck alone knows what it actually means in real money as to how long he can last on any match day.

I'm not critising him. Why not take the pay packet? The guy is one of the best of all time and has nothing else to prove in the game.

by **Biltong** Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:06 pm

Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.

by Cyril Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:29 pm

Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.

Only if we English can as well Smile

by **Biltong** Mon Sep 02, 2013 6:46 pm

Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well

why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.

by Cyril Mon Sep 02, 2013 6:49 pm

Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well
why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.

Sure thing. Although that sounds a bit like a threat Wink

by **Biltong** Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:19 pm

Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well
why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.
Sure thing. Although that sounds a bit like a threat

Nah, us Boers are a frindly lot. Whistle

by Cyril Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:25 pm

Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well
why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.
Sure thing. Although that sounds a bit like a threat
Nah, us Boers are a frindly lot.

I'm sure you are. Me, you and maes for a few beers yeah?

by **Biltong** Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:43 pm

Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well
why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.
Sure thing. Although that sounds a bit like a threat
Nah, us Boers are a frindly lot.
I'm sure you are. Me, you and maes for a few beers yeah?

Could be just what the Doctor ordered.

We'll hold our own truth and reconciliation meeting.

by Cyril Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:56 pm

Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well
why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.
Sure thing. Although that sounds a bit like a threat
Nah, us Boers are a frindly lot.
I'm sure you are. Me, you and maes for a few beers yeah?
Could be just what the Doctor ordered.

We'll hold our own truth and reconciliation meeting.

I'll be up for that. I'll bring the peace pipe.

by Artful_Dodger Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:59 pm

Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well
why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.
Sure thing. Although that sounds a bit like a threat
Nah, us Boers are a frindly lot.
I'm sure you are. Me, you and maes for a few beers yeah?
Could be just what the Doctor ordered.

We'll hold our own truth and reconciliation meeting.
I'll be up for that. I'll bring the peace pipe.

Who paid for that pipe?? Was it Boudjellal??

by Cyril Mon Sep 02, 2013 8:02 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well
why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.
Sure thing. Although that sounds a bit like a threat
Nah, us Boers are a frindly lot.
I'm sure you are. Me, you and maes for a few beers yeah?
Could be just what the Doctor ordered.

We'll hold our own truth and reconciliation meeting.
I'll be up for that. I'll bring the peace pipe.
Who paid for that pipe?? Was it Boudjellal??

It's on a pay-per-smoke deal. It's currently American (Native) but will qualify for France in three years.

by **Biltong** Mon Sep 02, 2013 8:07 pm

Cyril wrote:
Artful_Dodger wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Cyril wrote:
Biltong wrote:Hmm, nice south African flavour there, wonder if we get special packages for travel, tickets and accommodation to watch our players at Toulon.
Only if we English can as well
why not?

We might actually get the opportunity to meet face to face then.
Sure thing. Although that sounds a bit like a threat
Nah, us Boers are a frindly lot.
I'm sure you are. Me, you and maes for a few beers yeah?
Could be just what the Doctor ordered.

We'll hold our own truth and reconciliation meeting.
I'll be up for that. I'll bring the peace pipe.
Who paid for that pipe?? Was it Boudjellal??
It's on a pay-per-smoke deal. It's currently American (Native) but will qualify for France in three years.

pipes don't have residency requirements, you bring, you smoke it, you clean it.

by formerly known as Sam Tue Sep 03, 2013 5:37 pm

Surely It's a great option for both club and player? The Bok teams aren't interested because he's pretty much been forced to retire, Toulon get a potentially world class player on the cheap and the player gets beautiful surroundings to rehab in with no pressure to play. Added to all that Toulon can use him as a marketing ploy until he's match fit again.

Who wouldn't want Smith available for the big games, he could make the small difference that sways the result. The other backrow options are more than capable of getting Toulon to the big games with Smith's workload managed along the way.

The Boks could get a brilliant player returned to them in time for the next RWC if everything goes to plan as well.

by **Biltong** Tue Sep 03, 2013 5:51 pm

He has retired from international rugby mate, I doubt he will ever feature again in a bok jersey.

by formerly known as Sam Tue Sep 03, 2013 6:21 pm

Wouldn't be the first player to come out of retirement with a world cup in mind and wouldn't be the last.

by **Biltong** Tue Sep 03, 2013 6:29 pm

True, but I think Meyer and Smith has moved on.

Smith to me has always been the quintessential Springbok.

He is respected, hard working and above all honour the Soringbok jersey above any other.

When he announced his retirement from international rugby he admitted that if he cannot be at his absolute best he does not feel it would be right for him to keep the hopes alive and the doors open for a recall to the Bok team.

For me that was a sad day when he retired as alongside Os duRandt he is my favourite Springbok of all time.

To know that he is having a last hoorah in France is great, I hope we see a game or two of him playing in France over here.

by formerly known as Sam Tue Sep 03, 2013 7:58 pm

If in two years time he's capable of playing his best rugby for the duration of the tournament do you seriously see Meyer not bringing him back. Meyer has held onto the likes of Steyn, de Villiers and Jannie du Plessis. A Smith anywhere near top form is a source of experience and skill far ahead of what they can offer.

by **Biltong** Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:09 pm

Yeah, but he isn't a Bull.

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