France international Mathieu Bastareaud to feature in Major League Rugby post World Cup

France international Mathieu Bastareaud has confirmed that he will be heading to New York post World Cup scheduled later this year to feature in the Major League Rugby.

The 30-year-old has played most of his career with Toulon after being part of the French club since 2011 and has racked up over 200 appearances since then.

Bastareaud was linked with a move to South African side Sharks but now has decided to play in the MLR following discussions with the general manager of Rugby United New York Pierre Arnald.

It is also understood that the move of Bastareaud's to move away from Toulon is a temporary one with the giant centre expected to join back the French club at the end of June 2020.

“I’m not going to be secretive, these are my last matches in Toulon, I try to live it thoroughly,” he said.

“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.”

Earlier, former England International Ben Foden also signed a deal to play in the Major League Rugby.

Bastareaud has played 54 Tests for France since his debut in 2009 and also went on to captain the national side for the first time in March last year.

Toujours un plaisir d’échanger avec toi mon bro @vincentclerc ????
Full story ???? https://t.co/1xLvwSswPX pic.twitter.com/IVUh9X2gzt

— Mathieu Bastareaud (@BastaOfficiel) 28 April 2019