Reports in France are suggesting that the All Blacks captain Richie McCaw may join his New Zealand team-mate Conrad Smith at French club Pau after this year's Rugby World Cup in England.
The All Blacks captain Richie McCaw thanks fans after the game. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Smith confirmed his move to the current second division leaders - who are almost sure to win promotion to the Top 14 - earlier this month and Midi Olympique have reported that McCaw has been offered in the region of $1.1 million a year in salary to join him.
Reports are citing Pau coach Simon Mannix's New Zealand connections as behind the move.
Last week, Toulon boss Bernard Laporte said he was "aware that Pau had made Richie McCaw an offer and that it was fat" although those claims have since been denied by both the club's coach and president.
McCaw has long maintained that he has no interest in a move overseas but he is a close friend of Smith, whose decision to join Pau was based on family and it being "quiet and relaxed."
Pau vice-president Yannick Le Garreres told La République des Pyrénées newspaper that Laporte was off the mark.