Former All Blacks wing Julian Savea is set to be released by Toulon after a turbulent stint at the French mega club.

The former World Cup-winning All Black joined the elite club in 2018, but has been struggling to settle in and make a meaningful impact.

Last year, club owner Mourad Boudjellal launched a scathing verbal attack on Toulon’s marquee signing, saying:

‘I’m going to ask for a DNA test, this isn’t the Savea that we signed. They must have changed him on the plane. He has one year left on his contract, but I’ve told him that he was free to go.

‘He can do what he wants, but he is not welcome at Toulon anymore. If I were him I would apologise and go back to my home country,’ Boudjellal added.

At the time Savea responded, saying he would see out the contractual obligations whether he is welcome are not. But now it appears his time at Toulon is up.

Savea’s contract ends later this year and according to reports in France, he will not be offered a new deal to extend his stay with the club stakeholders believing the player is not worth his lucrative salary.

It’s not clear whether Savea will remain in Europe, go to play in Japan or return to play Vodacom Super Rugby in New Zealand.

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