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Toulon owner fires second spray of criticism at Julian Savea, gives unwanted winger warning about final year of deal

February 20, 2019
Julian Savea in action for Toulon.

Toulon's owner Mourad Boudjellal has defended his damning comments about former All Black Julian Savea, warning the winger faces a "very long" final year of his contract if he stays at the French club.

Boudjellal shocked the rugby world earlier this week when he slammed Savea over his form since joining the Top 14 last year, saying Savea is "not welcome" at the club anymore.

Despite the backlash from players and critics Boudjellal told Le Parisien this morning he remains unrepentant about the comments.

"On the contrary. I find his behaviour unacceptable. I went through the quarter-finals of the 2015 France-New Zealand World Cup and I always wonder if it's the same player, the same man," Boudjellal said.

The 2015 quarter-final in Cardiff was an exceptional night for Savea. He was a tackle-breaking terror throughout the match and went on to score a hat-trick in the All Blacks' 62-13 win over France.

Barrett said Savea is a world class player who will "bounce back" from Toulon's owner's harsh comments.

The Toulon owner says that's the kind of performance he "paid dearly" for, revealing Savea's annual salary exceeds $1.65 million. Savea has scored once in 10 matches since his debut for the club last year.

He added Savea was "very demanding" in his first season with the club, citing the winger's extended break in December to attend his brother Ardie's wedding in Fiji.

"I cannot think it's normal for a player paid more than 1 million Euros per year to go on holiday to Fiji for a month in December ... he just had to attend his brother's wedding, not take long leave."

Boudjellal revealed in his earlier radio interview with RMC Sport he had told Savea he was no longer wanted at Toulon but Savea has chosen to ignore the statement , saying "I am still contracted to my team and I will continue to train week in and week out with my brothers".

The club owner responded this morning with a firm warning.

"He has a little more than a year of contract, it will be very long for him."

Boudjellal finished his interview with a warning to other players too, saying he was using Savea's case to "serve an example" to others.

"Do not come to Toulon as a tourist. There is enough in the region.

"And when you're paid a lot of money, the least you can do is give yourself."

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