Clohessy set to return — in colours of Toulouse

PETER Clohessy could be ready to hit the European Cup trail again but with a different club.

Clohessy is considering a four-month contract with French club Toulouse and is likely to fly out this weekend to discuss a deal.

The 36-year-old has not trained on a full-time basis since he announced his retirement at the end of last season, after Munster were defeated by Leicester in the Heineken Cup final in Cardiff.

"As far as I am concerned, I'm still on my summer holidays," joked Clohessy yesterday, but the Irish prop is still prepared to sit down with Toulouse officials on Saturday to thrash out the details of a possible deal that would see him play again at the top level of European club rugby.

"I was surprised to be approached in the first place. If I go, it won't be for the money alone because I had an option to extend my career at home. But, thinking about it, I have played at every level but never in France and I always liked a challenge."

Coming from Clohessy, whose career nearly ended in France when he was suspended for six months, and whose dislike of the French style of play has never been hidden, that's an understatement. Yet, during his career he has taken up opportunities when they arose, not least when he moved to Australia for six months to play with Queensland.

Toulouse have been ravaged by injuries in the front row and called Clohessy last week offering him that short-term contract: "At first I said no but have since thought about it. I will possibly be talking to them this weekend over there."

Toulouse play Narbonne in the French Championship on Saturday and, if Clohessy decides to join, he would be required to take up the option quickly.

Even though the date for eligibility to play in the French National Championship closed early in July, the clubs have an escape clause in particular circumstances. The French call it the "joker" signing. There are strict rules about such a signing but Clohessy, it appears, would be free to take up the Toulouse offer because the three first choice prop forwards in the club are injured.

He was first approached through an agent in Ireland on foot of information from an agent in France.

"It came in a roundabout fashion and it was a bit of a surprise," said Clohessy. "Still, it's nice that people, particularly people in France, think about me. I am now leaning positively towards the offer but I still need to talk to them over there and work out the implications on what it means for the family."

Clohessy would, at least, be spared the embarrassment of having to don a Toulouse jersey in the Heineken Cup against Munster they've been drawn against Newport, Edinburgh and London Irish.

Meantime Jacques Laurans (62), vice-president of the Federation Française du Rugby, has been elected chairman of the Six Nations' Committee. His three-year term of office begins with immediate effect.

Monsieur Laurans is the first French chairman in the history of the championship. He takes over from Allan Hosie, who has been chairman for the last five years, and who now assumes the presidency of the Scottish Rugby Union.