PAT Lam understands Kyle Sinckler’s decision to turn his back on England and join the exodus to France next season.
The 68-cap tighthead will be packing down for Toulon, joined in the south of France by another member of England’s World Cup squad, Northampton flanker and captain Lewis Ludlam. Another colleague in France, lock Dave Ribbans, joined the Top 14 club from the Saints after the tournament.
“They are two good signings who will complete our forward pack for many years,” said Toulon president Bernard Lemaitre. “They fit the profiles we’re looking for in our recruitment. We’re trying to have higher expectations on mentality, behaviour and lifestyle of players like their impressive compatriot Dave Ribbans.”
Lam, Bristol’s director of rugby, praised Sinckler, right, who turned 31 yesterday, for his reaction after being left out of England’s Six Nations squad, something that may have triggered the Lions’ prop’s decision to move decision to move.
“I had a long chat with Kyle after the World Cup,” said Lam. “He said a lot of words and he has delivered on them. He wanted to be part of the Six Nations, but used the break in the Premiership well and was superb against Northampton last week.
“He is enjoying his rugby because he is playing well. He leads the forwards group and he is focused on doing well for us.
“I want to keep all our best players but it is a professional sport and everyone has options. I was around when the game moved on from amateurism and suddenly you had decisions to make with family always an important factor.”
Lam has boosted his tighthead options by signing Lovejoy Chawatama. The 31-year old is following the path trodden by Sinckler four years ago and joining in the summer from Harlequins.
There will be a full team of England internationals playing in France next season with Owen Far
