David Ribbans

A commanding second-row forward, David Ribbans joined RC Toulon in 2023 after a long and productive spell with Northampton Saints, bringing hard-edged set-piece expertise to the Top 14. Born on 29 August 1995, the England international is primarily a lock, though his athleticism allows him to cover the back row when required. Ribbans made his name as a reliable lineout operator and a relentless defender, the kind of forward who combines the technical demands of the engine room with a genuine appetite for work around the field. His years in the Premiership established him as one of the more consistent locks in English club rugby and earned him recognition at Test level with England. At Toulon he provides set-piece solidity, physical ballast in contact and the tackling output expected of a modern second row, offering the decorated French club an experienced presence in a competitive pack. Standing tall in the lineout and durable across the demands of a long European season, Ribbans is the type of forward who underpins a side's platform rather than chasing the spotlight. His move to the south of France marked a new chapter after his formative years in England, and he has continued to deliver the steady, high-quality forward play that has defined his career, giving Toulon a dependable option in the heart of their scrum and lineout.