By Jason Harris
June 10 2002

Stade Toulousain claim that French international loose head prop Christian Califano will be playing for them, not Saracens, next season. In Monday's Midi-Olympique newspaper, it is claimed that the 28 year old is to return to his former club after his stint in the Super 12 competition with Auckland Blues despite signing a three year contract with Sarries.

The belief is that Stade want to get Califano back in their ranks after the departure last week of fellow international front rower Franck Tournaire to European champions Leiceter Tigers.

Last week Saracens' management claimed that Califano's registration has been completed by the RFU and that he will be plying his trade at Vicarage Road next season. This latest claim is bound to increase uncertainty over what has become a very messy situation.

Toulouse have already threatened to take the player to court in order to recoup costs for what they see as an unfulfilled agreement, estimated at just under a million pounds.

Saracens say that there was no problem with their approach and signing as they had received approval from the French players' organisation and from both unions, These approvals seem to put the Men in Black in pole position to secure Califano's services. However, with today's claim from last season's French champions and possible legal action in the French courts, this episode is a long way from its conclusion.