Toulon have moved to deny that Paul O'Connell will be joining them in the near future.

With fellow locks Ali Williams and Bakkies Botha both set to leave at the end of the season, there had been talk in the French press that the Top 14 club were courting the Ireland captain.

However, in a statement on their website, the European champions say that links with the Munster second row are pure speculation.

They said: "Toulon cautions that Paul O'Connell has not signed a contract with Toulon Rugby Club and the alleged contacts between the player and the Red and Black are pure speculation."

O'Connell's current deal with Munster and the IRFU expires at the end of next season.