Paul O'Connell's new club Toulon hit with doping allegations
Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has angrily denied allegations of doping made against the triple European champions.
Marseille prosecutors have launched an investigation into several pharmacies in Toulon after notification from France’s anti-doping authority Agence Francaise de Lutte contre le Dopage (AFDL).
Reports in France alleged Toulon players had been supplied with anabolic steroids but Boudjellal moved quickly to deny those claims.
The billionaire comic book magnate insists the investigation is solely centred around social security fraud and one pharmacist, not Toulon.
“No player is concerned in this affair, it’s totally unfounded information,” Boudjellal told reporters.
“This is related to a social security fraud; that concerns the pharmacist not RCT.”
Cote d’Azur powerhouse club Toulon have swept to an unprecedented three straight European titles, with England World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson integral in the first two before retiring.
Ireland captain Paul O’Connell is set to join from Munster after the World Cup, while Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny is already among their superstar ranks.
Former France coach Bernard Laporte has played his part in Toulon’s rich success and remains head coach for another season before departing to chase the presidency of the French rugby union.
Boudjellal hinted at internal politics amid Laporte’s future ambitions as playing a role in the investigations.
“I have a strong feeling there is a will against Toulon and a person who is running for president of the FFR,” said Boudjellal.
