Lions centre Wandisile Simelane is a wanted man – in France

Lions centre Wandisile Simelane in a wanted man – in France.

According to reports, French Top 14 giants Toulouse has sought permission to speak to the 22-year-old.

However, Lions CEO and former Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli told the City Press newspaper that Simelane would be staying in South Africa.

‘Wandi has a two-year contract. He’s not going anywhere. I got an email (from Toulouse), but he’s in our and the Springboks’ long-term plans.’

Simelane signed his 2-year-contract back in May this year and it’s clear there’ll be a mad scramble for his signature when the contract draws to an end.

Simelane was also heavily linked with a move to the Stormers earlier this year.

Toulouse are off to a good start in this season’s Top 14 tournament. They are currently in second place in the standings, two points behind La Rochelle, albeit having played one more match.

If Simelane were to join the French club, he’d potentially line up in a backline featuring star Springbok wing, Cheslin Kolbe.