Reinforcements.

French giants Toulon have bolstered their scrumhalf department with the signing of Alby Mathewson on an initial one-year deal.

Mathewson, who has four caps with the All Blacks, has agreed to join the French side with immediate effect, and has an option to extend his deal fora second season.

His arrival comes in the wake of an injury picked up by scrumhalf Eric Escande during Toulon’s win over Scarlets in the Champions Cup over the weekend. Esacande is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after injuring his ankle.

Mathewson last played with Bristol in the Premiership last season, and has had stints with the Hurricanes and the Blues. Should he remain in the south of France next season, he will be joined by Wales international scrumhalf Rhys Webb.