Toulon are reported to be lining up a bid for yet another All Blacks star at the end of the season to replace current back row ace and South Africa international Duane Vermeulen.
According to RugbyRama, Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal wants to replace Vermeulen with double world champion Jerome Kaino as he looks to decrease the salary cap at the club.
With the 31-year-old South African anxious to remain in the international mix ahead of the Rugby World Cup in 2019, his departure now seems likely.
Reportedly already in contact with the 34-year-old Kaino, who currently plies his trade with Super rugby side Blues, Boudjellal had hoped to meet the flanker this month when the All Blacks were in France for their November Tests with Les Blues.
A knee injury, however, put paid to any meeting and ruled the 81-times capped star for approximately six weeks.
Were Kaino to make the journey north-west to Europe, he would link up with fellow All Black Malakai Fekitoa, who signed a two-year deal with the French side earlier this year.
He could also join Ma’a Nonu, who has been with the club since 2015. However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the current season, it is not yet known if he will stay on or depart the south of France.
With Kaino now behind Liam Squire and Vaea Fifita in the All Black pecking order, now, at aged 34, he may decide to cash in before he hangs up the boots.
Watch this space.
Read More About: All Blacks, all blacks toulon, jermoe kaino, kaino injury, ma'a nonu, Malakai Fekitoa, new zealand rugby, Rugby, Top 14
