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01.09.2013 Africa

Juan Smith signs one-year deal with Toulon

By AFP
South Africa's flanker Juan Smithin action at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, on November 13, 2010.  By  AFPFileSouth Africa's flanker Juan Smithin action at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, on November 13, 2010. By (AFP/File)
01.09.2013 LISTEN

TOULON, France (AFP) - South African 2007 World Cup winner Juan Smith has signed a one-year deal with Toulon, the Top 14 club announced Sunday.

The 32-year-old Smith, capped 69 times by the Springboks, has had to battle through a series of medical exams to seal the contract.

The flanker had retired in February 2011 because of an Achilles tendon injury that necessitated an operation, but is attempting one last throw of the dice to prolong his career.

"The defeat by Grenoble (28-26 on Saturday) expedited our decision," Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal told Nice-Matin newspaper.

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