All Blacks utility back Ben Smith might be making the move to France following next year's Rugby World Cup.
Respected French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique reports Smith has signed a deal with Pau, and will join the club between December 2019 and June 2020 - after the World Cup in Japan.
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Following the seven-month deal in France, it is understood the 74-test veteran will move to Japan.
On top of that, Midi also claums Pau is chasing services of All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea, who has been linked with a move north for months.
Former All Blacks Colin Slade, Benson Stanley, Frank Halai and Tom Taylor are currently contracted to the team.
The French paper also reported that Toulon and Lyon are in talks with Hurricanes outside back Nehe Milner-Skudder and Crusaders centre Ryan Crotty.
Milner-Skudder has played just 12 tests since making his breakthrough in the 2015 World Cup-winning campaign, while Crotty has been battling numerous injuries over the last 18 months, most notably concussions.
Veteran locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick are also interested in a short-term move to Japan after next year's World Cup.
Newshub.
