Saracens lead race to lure Kyle Sinckler back to England ahead of 2027 World Cup

Saracens are emerging as frontrunners to sign Kyle Sinckler from Toulon, with the England tighthead’s future in France increasingly uncertain after he failed to sign a verbally agreed two-year contract extension at Stade Mayol.

Sinckler, 33, entered the final year of his Toulon deal in July and appeared to have committed to staying on the Côte d’Azur through 2029. But according to French outlet Midi Olympique, club bosses are growing frustrated that the former Harlequins and Bristol Bears prop has not put pen to paper, and that he is being actively shopped around for a move back to England.

Saracens have a practical incentive to act. Tightheads Alec Cleary and Tietie Tuimauga are both in the final year of their contracts, leaving a gap in the squad that Wandsworth-born Sinckler — who made more than 130 appearances for Harlequins earlier in his career — could fill. Bristol Bears are also reported to be in contention, with Saracens facing competition from the club where Sinckler previously played before his move to France.

Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Red Bulls had both been linked with the prop during the summer, but French reports now point to Saracens as the most serious suitors.

The World Cup dimension adds considerable weight to the story. Sinckler has earned 68 caps for England, including a place in the 2019 World Cup Final against South Africa — a game that ended painfully when he was forced off after just two minutes following a collision with Maro Itoje. He also featured in England’s run to the semi-finals at the 2023 tournament in France. Under current eligibility rules, however, Steve Borthwick cannot select him while he remains at a French club, meaning a Premiership move would be a prerequisite for any involvement in the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Sinckler has started five times in the Top 14 this season and is in his third campaign with Toulon, having helped the club reach the semi-finals of both the Champions Cup and the Top 14. With the prop now seemingly open to a departure, Toulon are reported to be weighing their own options and may begin pursuing alternative targets.