Reports in Europe say that the former All Black prop Carl Hayman has signed with the French club Toulon.
The English club Newcastle say they have lost the services of Hayman, who joined them after the 2007 World Cup.
The 30-year-old former Otago player has been courted heavily by the New Zealand Rugby Union in a bid to bring him home to prepare for next year's World Cup.
The Journal in Newcastle reports that Hayman has signed with the French top 14 side for next year, with the club expected to make an announcement in the next couple of days.