Today's rugby news as huge Dan Biggar deal punishment announced and Wales to face new team

Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, July 3.

Toulon fined over Biggar deal

Toulon have been fined €500,000 for a lack of transparency over the deal that brought Wales legend Dan Biggar to the club in 2022.

A probe was launched by France's salary cap commission into confusion over why Biggar was paid up to £350,000 in severance compensation by Northampton, which was allegedly not declared in official documents by the French club.

The fine, issued on Tuesday night, is so big because Toulon were found guilty of the same lack of transparency over the signing of Cheslin Kolbe in 2021. Toulon now intend to appeal the punishment.

“The €500,000 fine is strongly contested by the club, who will appeal this decision in the coming days to the French Rugby Federation Appeals Commission,” the three-time European Cup winners said in a statement.

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Wallabies set to name six debutants

New Australia coach Joe Schmidt is expected to name as many as six debutants when he announces his side to face Wales in Sydney this weekend.

Roar report that half a dozen new faces will be named on Thursday in the former Ireland coach's first matchday squad as Wallabies boss, as the two countries meet for the first time since Wales' resounding 40-6 win over Australia in Lyon last September.

Just three Wallabies - James Slipper, Rob Valetini and Andrew Kellaway - who started that night are expected to also feature, with Wales also much-changed from that World Cup clash in France.

Instead, the Wallabies will look to the future, with Queensland Reds stars Josh Flook, Tom Lynagh and Angus Blyth all set for maiden caps.

Waratahs winger Dylan Pietsch is also expected to feature, as is Melbourne Rebels prop Isaac Kailea and Western Force lock Jeremy Williams.

Queensland flanker Liam Wright is expected to be revealed on Thursday as the Wallabies’ seventh captain in 10 Tests.

Dyer: Australia favourites

Wales wing Ro Dyer believes Australia are favourites ahead of the summer series, despite them hammering the Wallabies 40-6 in their last meeting the Rugby World Cup less than 12 months ago.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since them, though, with the hosts having a new man at the helm in Joe Schmidt and Wales seeing numerous old guard players bowing out from international rugby.

Dyer feels the fact Australia have home comforts puts them in the box seat ahead of the two-Test schedule.

"They have the home advantage, they're the ones who are probably the favourites at the moment," said Dyer.

"For us it's about going out in a new destination and enjoying the occasion and the moments to come."

Putting pride back in the jersey is very much on the agenda for Dyer and Co, who have lost all six games of this calendar year so far. A Six Nations whitewash is no doubt still smarting.

He added: "We are a young tight-knit squad fighting for that same goal, to get those wins and make that Welsh jersey what it used to be.

"The results have not gone our way but the main thing we can take from them is how tight we are as a group. We are passionate and want to get those wins, hopefully we will get the rewards."

Vunipola joins Vannes

England legend Mako Vunipola has joined French club Vannes.

The 33-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the newly promoted side, who will play their rugby in the Top 14 next season.

Vunipola has spent the last 13 years with Saracens, winning four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups.

"Rugby Club Vannes is pleased to formalize the signing of Mako Vunipola," his new club said in statement. "He is committed to Brittany for two seasons, until 2026.

"A real legend of English rugby.

"By committing to Vannes, Mako Vunipola will have his first experience of playing abroad and will discover the Top 14."

The prop announced his international retirement from England duty back in January. He won 79 caps for the Red Roses.