Mathieu Bastareaud to leave Lyon and return to Toulon

Former France international Mathieu Bastareaud could return to Toulon next season.

However, his return to the club where he won a Top 14 title and three Champions Cup trophies could be in a coaching role.

According to Midi Olympique, Bastareaud's playing career could be over as he is still sidelined with a knee injury and may confirm his retirement.

Bastareaud has undergone surgery on both knees and will move into coaching Toulon's under 18s with Olivier Beaudon. 

He has reportedly started the process of getting his coaching diplomas.

The former France captain is a product of SU Massy and he was quickly signed up by Stade Francais in 2007. It didn't take long for him to earn higher honours as he made his test debut against Wales in 2009 and played a vital role in France's Grand Slam victory in 2010.

He made the move to Toulon in 2011 and became an influential player in the squad. He helped the side win three Champions Cup and a Top 14 title during his eight seasons before heading to New York where he represented Rugby United New York in the Major Rugby League. 

He earned in 54 test caps for France and represented his country at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. In September 2018, he won Best International Player for France at the Nuit du Rugby ceremony in France.

Bastareaud missed out on a place in the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad and upon his return from the USA, he joined Lyon and made the positional switch to the back row having played centre throughout his career.