'World-class' Wallaby heading to French club after RWC

Wallabies utility Reece Hodge is set to depart Australian rugby after the World Cup to join French Top 14 club Bayonne on a three-year deal.

Debuting with the Melbourne Rebels in 2016, Hodge has played 62 Tests for Australia, spending time in almost every backline position.

He featured in all but one of last year's Rugby Championship matches and started at inside centre against Wales in axed coach Dave Rennie's last game in charge.

Due to his versatility Hodge is expected to play a role in Australia's World Cup campaign later this year in France under new coach Eddie Jones.

Bayonne club president Philippe Tayeb said 28-year-old Hodge was a world-class player.

"He comes to expand our squad," Tayeb told French television Canal+.

"He is a world-class player and he comes above all for his versatility and to support and grow our project and the young people of our club."

His former Rebels teammate Michael Ruru is also at the French club.