Springbok skipper Victor Matfield is to play for French second division side Toulon next season, L’Equipe sports daily reported on Thursday.
The 30-year-old lock will join the Mediterranean coast team on a one-year contract after the World Cup in France.
Former All Black captain Tana Umaga has been signed on as general manager.
Toulon, who are keen to be promoted to the top-flight league in France, have already acquired the services of two southern hemisphere veterans, Australian scrumhalf George Gregan and New Zealand flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens for next season.
Matfield has just been named as the South African captain for the Tri-Nations game against New Zealand on Saturday, the first lock in 42 years to captain the Springboks.
His promotion follows his captaincy of the Northern Bulls to the Super 14 title last month. He has been capped 57 times for his country and is widely regarded as the best lock in the world. – Sapa-AFP