Malakai Fekitoa confirms move to Toulon

New Zealand international Malakai Fekitoa has confirmed his decision to move to France to join the Top 14 club Toulon.

Even though the term of the deal is undisclosed, the 25-year-old is expected to join his former All Blacks teammates Ma'a Nonu and Luke McAlister at the French club later this year.

Fekitoa joined the Super Rugby club Blues in 2013 but the real turnaround came for him when he moved to Highlanders in 2014 and helped them to their maiden title a year later.

The 6 ft 2 in centre made his New Zealand debut in June 2014 and played 23 Tests until 2016 but was overlooked for 2017 when he was not the preferred choice for Steve Hansen.

He was not considered for the first two Tests against British and Irish Lions but a four-week ban to Sonny Bill Williams saw Fekitoa recalled into the bench for the third and final game in Auckland that ended in a 15-15 draw.

Fekitoa described the decision to move to France as a "difficult" yet right one.

"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," he said.

"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."