French giants Toulon have revealed its first group of Hall of Fame inductees, with a decorated Springbok named among the Top 14 outfit’s icons.
The club asked its supporters to vote for its all-time legends and the first eight players, including World Cup-winning England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, have been announced. An induction ceremony will take place on 18 April.
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With 122 appearances for Toulon before his retirement in 2014, former Springbok No 8 Joe van Niekerk was a fan favourite at the Stade Mayol.
He joined Toulon from the DHL Stormers in 2008 and represented the club for six seasons, during which time the side won back-to-back Champions Cup titles, a Top 14 trophy and reached two Challenge Cup finals.
The 52-Test-capped loose forward also captained the team during this successful period.
Toulon’s first Hall of Fame inductees:
Marcel Bailette (France)
Marcel Bodrero (France)
Christian Carrere (France)
Andre Herrero (France)
Eric Champ (France)
Jerome Gallion (France)
Joe van Niekerk (South Africa)
Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images