Feb 26th, 2017

The drug allegations overhanging James O'Connor (l) could see Ben Barba make his debut for Toulon. (AFP/AAP)

Feb 26th, 2017

Former Cronulla fullback Ben Barba could be the beneficiary of James O'Connor's arrest for allegedly buying cocaine with news he could play his first game for Toulon on March 4, The Daily Telegraph has reported.

Barba left the NRL after receiving a 12-match ban for testing positive to cocaine and signed a deal with the French rugby club for two-and-a-half years.

He was expected to learn his new code before being thrown into the fray but those plans have now changed after former Wallaby O'Connor and former All Blacks star Ali Williams were arrested for allegedly buying cocaine outside a French nightclub.

O'Connor's future at the club is now uncertain and Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has already said he would wait until he spoke to the off-contract Australian before making any further move on his future.

"I won't speak to him on Saturday," Boudjellal said.

"It does seem as though there has been wrongdoing.

"But even when you kill someone you still have a hearing first. That is how it must be."

Toulon has another fullback option in Leigh Halfpenny but he is involved in the Wales camp for the Six Nations tournament.

That could see Wallaby Drew Mitchell start at fullback with Barba rushed into the game-day squad and in contention for a spot on the wing for the club's next game against Brive on March 4.