Stade Toulousain considering Will Jordan recruitment

The Stade Toulousain, a quadruple French rugby champion, is reportedly considering the recruitment of Will Jordan, a 28-year-old All Black fullback, for the 2027 season. The club is exploring the possibility of signing Jordan, whose contract with New Zealand’s rugby federation is set to expire in less than a year.

No contact yet between Jordan and the club

Despite the interest from Stade Toulousain, no formal contact has yet been made with Will Jordan. The club is attracted to his profile as one of the world’s top fullbacks but faces uncertainty about the conditions for his potential move. The club must also ensure it stays within its salary cap, which is already nearing its limit.

Challenges of recruiting Jordan

Recruiting Will Jordan would be a complex operation for the Stade Toulousain. The club would need to convince Jordan to leave New Zealand during the period of his European contract, which could be difficult for the New Zealand federation. The country is also preparing for a major event, the British and Irish Lions tour in 2029, which Jordan might want to participate in.

Jordan's rugby achievements

Will Jordan has become a standout player in the All Blacks, scoring 56 tries in 63 caps since his debut in 2020. He recently surpassed Doug Howlett as the top try scorer in All Blacks history and is currently the top scorer of the calendar year. His performance has made him a key player for New Zealand.

Potential replacement for Thomas Ramos

The interest in Will Jordan is partly linked to the departure of Thomas Ramos, the historic fullback of Stade Toulousain, who will leave the club in the summer. However, the club already has several players capable of filling the fullback role, which raises questions about the necessity of such a high-profile recruitment.

Current fullback options at Stade Toulousain

Stade Toulousain has Ange Capuozzo, Blair Kinghorn, and Juan Cruz Mallía, all of whom play as fullbacks for their national teams. Additionally, young player Matias Remue has shown promise, and other prospects like Matthis Lebel could also contribute. The club may not need to sign a player of Jordan’s caliber, especially with budget constraints due to several departures.