Scotland centre Huw Jones opens up on 'easy decision' to join Toulon as second Glasgow spell comes to an end
Former Harlequins and Stormers ace heading for France after conversation with international teammate.
Scotland centre Huw Jones has said it was an ‘easy decision’ to sign for Toulon as the 32-year-old’s second spell with Glasgow Warriors comes to an end.
The 63 times capped back, who is the fourth all time top try scorer in men’s national team history, agreed a deal to join the Top 14 outfit earlier this year. He will now move to the Stade Mayol after the conclusion of the 2025/26 URC season, where he will link up with international teammate Ben White.
Jones also revealed that he spoke to the scrum half on what life in the French city was like prior to agreeing the switch. He confirmed that it did not take a great deal of convincing to persuade him on a move to the three time Champions Cup winners.
Huw Jones says decision to join Toulon at end of Glasgow Warriors contract was ‘easy’
"It's really cool to be here,” said Jones in an interview posted to his new club’s official YouTube channel. “This is my first time visiting Toulon, I got to have a look around at the town and see the campus. The facility is amazing, it's really cool to be here.
“I know a lot about the history of Toulon, having watched a lot of rugby growing up, seeing Toulon win championships. I know all about that. I've played Toulon twice, won one and lost one. We know how tough a team Toulon are, it just makes me excited to join next season.
“Things are going really well at Glasgow at the moment. We've got a strong squad, we won the league two years ago. It was a difficult decision, but it was also an easy decision in a way because of the history that Toulon has and the kind of club it is.
“I've always wanted to play for a club like Toulon, it didn't take me long to be convinced. I've heard from the coaches and some of the players that it's a tough competition to play in, it's a long season.
“There's no easy games at all, every week is difficult, so I'm fully prepared for that. I'm really excited for it, I think it's a new challenge for me. It'll be a really big challenge, but one that I'm keen for. Lots of big players around, very physical games, I pride myself on my physicality as well. It's something I'm looking forward to.”
Toulon eliminated Glasgow Warriors from the Investec Champions Cup last season with a 22-19 quarter-final victory at Scotstoun. However, they were beaten by Leinster in the semi-finals and ended an overall poor campaign by finishing ninth in the Top 14.
Scotland teammate played part in Huw Jones signing for French Top 14 heavyweights
Supporters of the French side will be hoping Jones can bring his trademark explosiveness and athleticism to their back line while Scotland fans will hope a combination with White can pay dividends for both club and country. The centre confirmed that his national teammate had a say in his decision to sign.
He added: “He told me loads about it, all about the club, about playing for Toulon. It was definitely an easy decision coming down here, and now that I've seen the place, it's reinforced that. It's brilliant, I'm looking forward to coming here next season.
“I had a few conversations with him when Toulon first got in contact with me. I think he just had to describe his lifestyle down here, how the club is, how it works and the fans, the atmosphere at Stade Mayol. He told me all about that, but it was an easy decision.
“I've never played down here. Glasgow did come down here, I think maybe last season. My teammates said that it was an amazing atmosphere to be part of.
"Obviously, I've spoken to Ben and he loves playing down here. The town, the supporters, there's a really special feeling and especially when you win, it's amazing. He told me all about that, and I'm really looking forward to experiencing that.
"The biggest thing is to come here and try to hit the ground running. I want to be speaking French, fit in with the team and learn the play style as quickly as possible and just be successful with the team on the field. I'm really excited, I can't wait to join next season.”
The Top 14 season concludes this weekend with the final taking place at the Stade de France. It will see reigning champions Toulouse, including Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn, taking on EPCR Challenge Cup winners Montpellier who have a handful of Scots in their ranks including scrum-half Ali Price.
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