Rugby: Preying Toulon get talons into more talent - but Cooper could still wriggle free

Quade Cooper has reportedly signed with Toulon, although since that announcement by the club in April, there has been speculation he might backflip. Photo / Sarah Ivey

If Wallabies five-eighths Quade Cooper follows through on his move to French club Toulon, he will be in good company, after the European champions signed a trio of internationals.

Already with a reputation for luring seasoned test players from all over the world, Toulon have attracted Ireland stalwart Paul O'Connell, England prop Matt Stevens and South Africa back-rower Duane Vermeulen to the club after this year's World Cup.

The 28-year-old No8 Vermeulen's move was the most significant of the three, given he is in his prime, having played 29 tests for the Springboks and only last year was nominated the World Player of the Year.

He joins from Super Rugby side the Stormers on a three-year deal and is set to replace departing New Zealander Chris Masoe.

Ireland captain and lock O'Connell, 35, has signed for one year with the option of another as he leaves Munster after 15 years.

O'Connell, who has 101 Ireland caps, will join after the World Cup in September and October.

Despite worries about a troublesome shoulder, he passed a medical.

O'Connell's arrival will offset the loss of World Cup-winning locks Bakkies Botha and Ali Williams, who both retired at the end of the just-completed season.

South African-born Matt Stevens, 32, joins from the Sharks on a two-year deal after a 46-cap international career for England.

The trio join an impressive recruiting drive that has already seen the likes of All Black great Ma'a Nonu and American wrecking ball Samu Manoa agree to move to the reigning triple European champions.

Queensland Reds No10 Cooper has reportedly signed with Toulon, although since that announcement by the club in April, there has been speculation he might backflip.

There have also been reports that his Reds teammate James O'Connor is set to return to Toulon next season but the Australian Rugby Union only last week reiterated he has another year to run on his contract with the Queensland Rugby Union.

- AAP