All Blacks Ardie Savea has reportedly done an about-face on his agreement to link up with French Top 14 club Pau.
Savea was believed to have agreed during the European Tour to a deal to join the team following next year's Rugby World Cup.
But according to RMC Sport, the Hurricanes flanker has now backed out of the deal.
"It is for certain that he will not be coming," Pau president Bernard Pontneau told RMC Sport.
"It's disappointing, but it's also the risk you take when wanting to recruit a young player."
While they've missed out on Savea, the club has managed to snare Savea's All Blacks teammate, Ben Smith.
RMC Sport reported that Pontneau confirmed Smith's addition after the Japan World Cup.
"We would have liked to have had this sorted earlier than this." Pontneau reportedly said.
"He is is a great player, who will bring a lot to the team.
"He will have a big impact with the group and our young players will be able to learn from a player of his magnitude. He'll make them move faster."
Smith's agent, Warren Alcock, told Newshub that he'll make an announcement on his future on Thursday.
The 32-year-old Smith was widely expected to pursue a new role off-shore after a glittering test career.
In contrast, Savea looks to be edging into his prime years after a stellar 2018 campaign. The 25-year-old stepped in for the injured Sam Cane and shone for the All Blacks on their annual European tour.
Pau has a handful of New zealand players currently on its roster, including Jamie MacKintosh, Frank Halai, Tom Taylor, and Benson Stanley.
Rumors are also swirling around captain Kieran Read, who's understood to be on the cusp of a deal with France's Racing 92.
Newshub.
