Huw Jones, the celebrated Scotland centre, is poised to leave Glasgow Warriors for French Top 14 side Toulon at the conclusion of this season. The 32-year-old, who has been a significant player for his national team, has sealed a two-year contract with the club.
In making this announcement, Toulon’s sporting director, Laurent Emmanuelli, emphasized the strategic planning behind Jones' recruitment. "The arrival of Huw Jones is the result of several months of groundwork," said Emmanuelli. His praise reflects Jones' status as an elite player, having achieved considerable success on both European and world stages. "He is an international-class player, a key member of his national team who has long played at the highest European and world levels. His rugby skills, his high standards and his experience will be invaluable assets to the team. He fits perfectly into our sporting project, which combines immediate performance with the development of our young players," he added.
Leith-born Jones, with an impressive 58 caps for Scotland, began his professional journey at the University of Cape Town. Following stints with Western Province and Stormers, he joined Glasgow in 2017, where he contributed significantly before moving away to play for Harlequins. Returning to Glasgow in 2022, he made 82 appearances for the Warriors during his two spells with the club.
Currently, the Warriors sit second in the United Rugby Championship, closely trailing the Stormers. Jones returned to action recently following an injury, making an impactful comeback by scoring during Glasgow's 33-21 victory over Clermont-Auvergne in the Champions Cup.
Reflecting on his time at Glasgow, Jones' contributions included crucial moments like scoring a match-winning try in the URC Grand Final against the Vodacom Bulls in June 2024. With his tally of 28 tries for the Warriors, his performances have left a lasting legacy at the club.
Selected for the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, Jones marked his presence by featuring in all three Tests, where he found the try line in a pivotal second-Test victory. These performances secured him a spot in the World Rugby Dream Team of the Year 2025, highlighting his prowess on the field.
Toulon has characterized Jones as a “complete player,” noting his comprehensive skill set. "He will bring his top-level experience, his power, his ability to break the line, his speed, as well as his game sense and defensive awareness," the club stated.
As Jones prepares for this transition, it signals a significant chapter in his career. The move not only enhances Toulon's ambitions in the Top 14 but also presents Jones with new challenges and opportunities to further his impact on the international stage.
With the rugby landscape constantly evolving, the upcoming season will be highly anticipated as both teams adapt to changes and aim for triumphs in their respective competitions. Jones' new journey at Toulon is expected to hold exciting prospects, both for him and for the French club as they strive for success with an enriched roster.