'I gave my word' - Waisea Nayacalevu will join Toulon

Fiji centre Waisea Nayacalevu will join Toulon next season, despite his heart being very much in Stade Francais.

The Fijian international, who ran riot against Wales in the Autumn Nations Seris, has called Paris home for nine seasons and is leaving the pink and blues with a heavy heart.

There had been speculation that fan favourite Nayacalevu might yet stay at Hans-Peter Wild's club, but an interview he has given with Midi Olympique has ended any hope of him staying.

"There have been a lot of words about me lately. My teammates in Paris want me to stay and even talk to me about it every day. You know, I am very attached to the Stade Français; this club is ten years of my life," he told Midi today.

“I cannot change what has been done. I gave my word and I will honor it. At 31, today I need a new challenge and in this sense, this departure to Toulon will be a good thing."

The 6'4, 104kg wing cum centre will now be hoping that he can help revive Toulon, who are second from the bottom of the Top 14.

The 31-year-old captained Fiji during the Autumn Nations Series last year and was one of their standout players, scoring two tries in their defeat to Wales, a game many believe Fiji would have won if not for a red card for wing Eroni Sau.

It will be a boost for Toulon, who officially secured the services of exiting Lyon head coach Pierre Mignoni ahead of next season, who will take dual charge at a club alongside Franck Azema. But it may be a club shorn of some of its biggest names.

It was confirmed last week that RCT will lose the services of Louis Carbonel and Eben Etzebeth, although the latter appears to be leaving early with their best wishes.