Toulouse sign Huddersfield full-back for a five-figure fee

James Gordon
Oliver Ashall-Bott

Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Toulouse have signed Huddersfield full-back Oliver Ashall-Bott for a reported five-figure fee.

Ashall-Bott, 24, has made 10 appearances for the Giants and signed a contract for 2022 in December.

He moves to the French side to fill the void left by Mark Kheirallah, who has played his last game for the club.

Ashall-Bott said: “After playing in Toulouse one week ago, I could see that the (club) has everything to be a Super League club which is fighting to win trophies in the years to come and I look forward to being a part of it.

“After having discussed with Sylvain and Cédric, their ambition and objectives are very clear, and that corresponds to what I want for my career.

“It didn’t take much to convince me and I look forward to working with Sylvain.

“I would like to thank Ian Watson and Richard Thewlis for facilitating the transfer, and I will always be grateful to Watto for what he did for me over the past two years and I hope to make him proud in the coming seasons.

“I’m sad to leaving my teammates at Huddersfield as they are a group of very good lads, but I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, to start with Toulouse, and to play in front of the Toulouse fans.”

MORE: Editor’s column: Toulouse must act fast and ref bashing must stop

Background

Oliver Ashall-Bott came through the academy at Widnes and made his Super League debut for them in 2018.

He moved to London Broncos for the curtailed 2020 Championship season, but then had a brief cameo on loan at Salford.

It was there he first played under Ian Watson, who brought him to Huddersfield in 2021.

In confirming the move, Giants MD Richard Thewlis said: “This was not something we sought as a club however when Ollies representative made us aware of the opportunity that Toulouse presented to him it would have been grossly unfair to stand in his way.

“He has the full back spot guaranteed and financial security beyond where any club in the UK would be able to go.

“So for him it really was a no brainer to agree the move and from our side the fee is fair and compensates us for being a man down in the squad so to speak.

“Full back is an area as all can see where we currently have good depth with Tui Lolohea currently occupying the shirt and he is challenged by Ashton Golding, Will Pryce and in a few weeks time Aiden McGowen so we remain in a good place we feel.

“We wish nothing but the best for Ollie and have retained an option for him to return should things not work out in France  further down the line to reunite with the Giants.”

PLAY: Keep up to date with our 2022 Fantasy Rugby League right here

Super League Huddersfield Giants