French club Toulon

Fekitoa signs with Toulon – report

French news outlet L'equipe has reported Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal announced the signing at a fan event on Monday night (NZT Tuesday), declaring the "imminent arrival of a world champion All Black centre".

The newspaper said the 25-year-old signed with the French club this month.

Boudjellal said the signing was "the biggest coup of the summer in the transfer market".

 But Toulon released a statement on Thursday morning hosing down speculation, saying until moves had been officially confirmed by the club they were only rumours.

Malakai Fekitoa set for Toulon - report

Fekitoa was omitted from the All Blacks squad for the Lions series and is off contract with New Zealand Rugby at the end of the year. 

The Highlanders star has admitted he was open to looking overseas and French media outlet Midi Olympique report that Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal will announce the signing of Fekitoa on a two-year deal on Tuesday.

According to @midi_olympique tomorrow Toulon boss Mourad Boudjellal will announce the signing of All Black Malakai Fekitoa on a 2-year deal.

Toulon chase Malakai Fekitoa again

The Highlanders midfielder was left out of the All Blacks squad for the British and Irish Lions series, with Toulon swooping in for his services with the bid.

Sources told Midi Olympique on Friday (NZ time) the club was optimistic of securing the 25-year-old's signature.

Fekitoa is off contract at the end of the season, but said in April he was in no rush to make a decision on his future.

​"I don't have a timeframe," Fekitoa said. "I let my management team do all the talking behind the scenes. For me, it's about getting my game right and enjoying my rugby."

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock chased by wealthy French club Toulon

Whitelock, who is off contract with NZ Rugby after the All Blacks' series against the British and Irish Lions this winter, would be a prized signing for Toulon who are on the hunt for a world-class second rower to embed in their pack.

If Boudjellal managed to snare the signature of the 28-year-old Whitelock, who has played 84 tests since 2010, it would be considered a blow for NZ Rugby who have recently re-signed valued employees Ben Smith and Israel Dagg.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read has already signalled he is keen to re-sign through to the 2019 World Cup.