Australian international rugby flanker George Smith will quit French Top 14 side Toulon to take up an 800,000 euro ($A1.09 million) a season deal with Japan's Sanyo Wild Knights.
"Smith decided to leave for Japan and we can't keep him. Everyone will remember his time here. He has been an exceptional player at all levels," said Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal.
Toulon had offered 30-year-old Smith a contract extension but the Tokyo side's staggering three-year offer proved too good to resist.
Smith joined the French side last summer after 10 years with Australian Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies.
