Stridgeon Toulon’s perfect fit

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal deemed the appointment of former England and Lions fitness coach Paul Stridgeon as the missing ingredient in their quest for a Top 14 and Heineken Cup double.

The controversial millionaire was understood to be annoyed with the way his side lost last year’s Top 14 final to Castres, citing a lack of physical freshness. He poached Stridgeon from his role as national fitness coach to the RFU following the Six Nations.

“It was bullshit last year, for sure, otherwise we’d have managed the double,” he said. “We’ll make sure not to repeat this year. Including physical recovery.”