The saga had been running for weeks, with three clubs involved. On Monday, the press had Esteban Capilla close to Union Bordeaux-Bègles. On Wednesday morning, the player decided otherwise.

Teammates told on Wednesday morning

Esteban Capilla, 23, informed his teammates and the club’s management on Wednesday morning that he would leave Aviron Bayonnais when his contract ends in June 2027. He will join Stade Toulousain for the 2027-2028 season, on a three-season deal.

Aviron president Philippe Tayeb confirmed the departure without bitterness: “It’s not a financial choice, it’s a sporting choice.”

Toulon had tabled a big offer

RC Toulon had made Capilla their priority after securing the arrivals of Régis Montagne and Léon Darricarrère, also for 2027. Their president Bernard Lemaître still hoped to persuade him on Tuesday. Union Bordeaux-Bègles, for their part, were reported to be in pole position at the start of the week.

Of the three clubs in the race, only Toulouse come away with the player.

Already a regular starter

Last season, Capilla played 17 Top 14 matches for Bayonne, 16 of them as a starter, for 1,122 minutes. Aged 22 at the time, he was already playing the equivalent of fourteen full matches.

In Toulouse, he will join a back row that François Cros will have left for LOU, and that Anthony Jelonch is expected to leave for Castres.