Mathieu Bastareaud to join Lyon until end of World Cup

Lyon have confirmed the signing of France international Mathieu Bastareaud on a short-term deal until the end of the Rugby World Cup scheduled in Japan.

Bastareaud was released by Toulon at the end of the 2018/19 season after spending close to eight years with the club and his move to Lyon means the 30-year-old will continue to be part of Top 14 until the end of the showpiece event.

"If he has built a reputation for his power and rugby skill, Mathieu Bastareaud, who was the captain of Toulon from 2017, is also a leader," read the statement released by Lyon.

Bastareaud has already announced retirement from international rugby after he was left out of the preliminary World Cup. He is also slated to join Major League Rugby's Rugby United New York for six months post World Cup.