New Zealand centre Malakai Fekitoa has confirmed he is leaving the Highlanders to play in France with former European champions Toulon.
Fekitoa's future has been a talking point for much of the Super Rugby season and he admitted that he had been talking with European clubs over a move before week one of the 2017 campaign had even opened.
The 25-year-old won his 24th All Blacks cap in the drawn third Test against the British and Irish Lions earlier this month, but he has now signed a two-year deal with Toulon, winners of the inaugural European Champions Cup in 2015 after also taking the final two editions of the Heineken Cup.
Fekitoa will play out the rest of the season with the Highlanders and could play his final game in New Zealand for now when they face the Crusaders in the Super Rugby quarter-finals on Saturday.
Writing on Instagram, Fekitoa said: "I wanted to let you all know that after a lot of thought I have decided to join Toulon (RCT) at the end of the year.
"It has been the hardest decision of my life to leave New Zealand, but after looking at all the things that are important to me I feel this is the right time for me personally and for my career.
I especially want to thank NZR and the All Blacks, the Highlanders and Auckland Rugby for all your support and development over the years.
"Most of all I want to thank my team-mates for all your support and friendships. Finally to my fans THANK YOU, its been a hell of a ride. I'm blessed and thankful to play this game. Doesn't matter where I go to work. We still have a lot more to do. I hope to return one day with more experience and success."