Lane, who was assistant coach to the Australia team that won the 1999 World Cup, takes over as general manager and backs coach of the side that the now-departed Umaga helped hoist up to third in the competitive second-tier division.

Toulon, relegated from the Top-14 division last season, currently stand fourth after going down 26-13 to Mont-de-Marsan at the weekend.

Lane has previously coached Clermont (in 2000/01) and was most recently sacked by Top 14 club Brive after a string of
disappointing results.

SAPA-AFP