Former All Black named as 'worst signing of 2017' in Top 14

Amid reports of a flurry of All Blacks being targetted by French clubs, it seems not all ex-All Blacks have lived up to lofty expectations as French newspaper Mid Olympique released it's worst signings of 2017.

Three former All Blacks have been named in a "Flop 10" list of worst French rugby signings from 2017, headed by former Blues first-five Luke McAlister who topped the list.

McAlister has barely been seen for Toulon after signing on for the 2017/18 season, where the 34-year-old was dropped to third-choice first-five behind Anthony Belleau and Francois Trinh-Duc. He was loaned out to Clermont as injury cover before suffering a broken hand in a match against Agen.

Mid Olympique judged former Blues wing Frank Halai the fourth-worst signing, who joined Pau this season after leaving English club Wasps, and former Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot came in at the ninth who was signed by last-placed Oyonnax.

Former Stormers and South African fullback Cheslin Kolbe was named as the best signing of the 2017-2018 season to date, who joined Toulouse and has been a strong performer for the side.