Junior Kpoku signs permanently with Toulon, closing England's World Cup door

Junior Kpoku has signed a permanent contract with Toulon, the Top 14 club confirmed, ending England head coach Steve Borthwick’s hopes of calling up one of the country’s most highly-rated young forwards for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The 20-year-old versatile forward, who can play lock and flanker, had initially joined Toulon on loan from Racing 92 in January. A proposed move to Sale Sharks earlier in the season had attracted attention precisely because it would have brought Kpoku within reach of England selection under the RFU’s overseas player policy — a route that is now firmly closed.

Kpoku was a key figure in England’s World Rugby U20 Championship triumph in 2024, lining up alongside players who have since graduated to senior international rugby, including Henry Pollock and Asher Opoku-Fordjour. He joins a growing English contingent at Stade Mayol that includes Kyle Sinckler, captain David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam and Zach Mercer — all of whom remain ineligible for Borthwick’s squad.

The long-term picture is even more complicated for England. Kpoku is set to become JIFF qualified later this year, having spent three years at a French club before turning 21, which benefits Toulon by allowing them to sign a foreign player while still meeting their domestic player quota. More significantly, he will qualify to represent France on residency grounds in two years’ time, potentially bringing Fabien Galthié into the picture. Kpoku has previously stated his preference to play for England, but the window to make that happen is narrowing with each passing season.

The permanent signing was announced as part of a broader restructure at Toulon. The club confirmed the return of Franck Azéma, former head coach at ASM Clermont-Auvergne, who takes over from Pierre Mignoni — though Mignoni will remain in post as director of rugby. Former England international Alex Codling has joined from Munster as forwards coach, while Scotland centre Huw Jones and France internationals Gaël Fickou and Rabah Slimani headline an ambitious recruitment drive that underlines Toulon’s ambitions for next season.