Toulon-bound Kyle Sinclair has hinted that his England career is not over.
Kyle Sinclair ;England are set to lose some of their best players with a big farewell to France, but Kyle Sinclair is one man who has yet to close the door on his Test career.
The tighthead prop has signed England team-mate Lewis Ludlum on a three-year deal with Toulon ahead of next season. To many, the move appeared to be an abrupt end to Sinclair’s England career, aged 31 and with 68 caps to his name. But he has other ideas.
After his final match before his top 14 move for Bristol Bears on Saturday, Sinclair insisted he was taking the move with the intention of improving his game and returning a better player, rather than the next step towards retirement.
Speaking to Topsy Ojo for ITV Rugby after the 53-28 win over his former side Harlequins at the Stoop, the 121kg forward hinted at his return in 2027, which would coincide with the next World Cup campaign.
Toulon-bound Kyle Sinclair has hinted that his England career is not over.
The move comes on the back of a season in which Bristol Gallagher came close to a remarkable late surge into the Premiership’s top four, but narrowly missed out thanks to Sale Sharks’ win over Saracens. Sinclair said the season was his most enjoyable in years and hopes the move to France will help him rekindle his love for the game.
“This last half of the season has probably been the most enjoyable for me since 2019,” he said.
. I know when I’m on my game and I play my game, not many come close.
I’m very grateful for the coaches I’ve had at Queen’s and the coaches I’ve had at Bristol. I’ll hold my hands up, I haven’t been the easiest of players, but I think given my maturity, doing it And taken about taking full responsibility.
Toulon-bound Kyle Sinclair has hinted that his England career is not over.
“I’ve probably been my own worst enemy and now that I’m at the top of my career, as they say with props, you age like a good wine, so I’m going to learn my trade, test myself and be the best for the next three years. Week in, week out. , then I’ll be back in 2027 and I’ll be ready to go.”
Although Sinclair will be ineligible for England for the next three years, his Test return may not come until 2027 as he is expected to tour the British and Irish Lions for a third time next summer.