Scarlets scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne is attracting attention from Top 14 aristocrats Toulouse, according to reports in France.
The Scotland international went out on loan to Harlequins towards the end of last season with the Llanelli-based region able to call on Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy and Jonathan Evans, while Cardiff Blues’ Dane Blacker is being heavily linked with a move to West Wales.
If they are well covered at No. 9, Toulouse are not for the World Cup period when they are set to be without Sebastien Bezy and Antoine Dupoint.
French newspaper L’Equipe reports that one of Europe’s grandest clubs now have Hidalgo-Clyne in their sights for the start of next season.
Australian Ian Prior is another who is said to be on their radar as Toulouse look to ensure they have sufficient options while the global tournament is being played.
It was a surprise that Hidalgo-Clyne failed to stamp his authority on matters at the Scarlets in the season just finished.
When he opted to head south from Scotland a year ago, some on social media labelled Edinburgh’s decision to let him go as “mad” and “unbelievable”.
The product of Merchiston Castle independent school had once been tipped for big things with his speed, skill and adaptability: he can play at scrum-half, fly-half, wing and full-back.
Quick enough to cover 30 metres in 3.9 seconds — which isn’t hanging about, by any standard — the one-time blue-eyed boy of Scottish rugby won 12 full caps, only for his star to begin to wane, with injuries not helping matters.
He left Edinburgh after being offered a deal described by one writer as “short-term and less than lucrative”.
The 25-year-old had been expected to kick on at the Scarlets, but the emergence of Hardy, a bright young thing who has pace and an eye for a gap, saw the Scot left in the starting blocks as he began only four Guinness PRO14 games all season.
The French transfer window closes next Saturday but clubs have from July 1 to September 9 to bring in cover.
If Hidalgo-Clyne does move to Toulouse, he could be joining the French champions, with the blue bloods from south-west France facing Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 final this weekend.
