Mathieu Bastareaud released by Toulon

France international Mathieu Bastareaud has been released by Top 14 club Toulon with immediate effect.

Bastareaud, who has played 54 Tests for France already had announced in April that he is looking to feature in the Major League Rugby post World Cup.

According to a report, the 30-year-old is aiming for a short-term deal with either Lyon or Sharks or Munster before moving to New York.

“I’m not going to be secretive, these are my last matches in Toulon, I try to live it thoroughly,” Bastareaud said when confirming his move to New York back in April.

“I chose to join the New York team. It’s a new adventure for me. It’s important for me to finish here. I wanted to change. It was the best compromise for me at family level, life experience and to play rugby.”

Bastareaud has been with Toulon since 2011 and could very well join them back for the 2020/21 season with club president Mourad Boudjellal keen to have him back.