Toulon will on Tuesday sign prop Karim Bougherara as cover for injured Italy international Martin Castrogiovanni, the club said Monday.

The 25-year-old left second-division Pau at the end of last season and will begin the new campaign on the books of the European and French champions.

Castrogiovanni underwent a groin operation in June and is not expected to be available for another two months.

Toulon begin their Top 14 title defense away to Basques Bayonne on August 15, the opening match of the 2014-15 season.