Barba in Toulon for the long haul

Wed, Feb 1, 2017, 11:03 PM
AAP
by AAP
Ben Barba will be heading to Toulon. Photo: Getty Images
Ben Barba will be heading to Toulon. Photo: Getty Images

Ben Barba's Toulon stint could go from short-term to two-and-a-half years, after the fullback reportedly agreed to a long-term deal with the French club.

After a public back and forth with the NRL on Wednesday, in which the governing body announced any punishment for his positive drug test would remain only as long as he was in the NRL, meaning he couldn't use a French sojourn to bypass a 12-week suspension, only delay it.

Ben Barba won the NRL Premiership with Cronulla in 2016. Photo: Getty ImagesBarba reportedly informed Cronulla officials this morning of his decision to take up a two-and-a-half year contract with French giants, Toulon, 

The 2016 Premiership player told reporters on Wednesday that he had to make the best decision for his family and conceded he may never play in the NRL again.

Sharks CEO Lyall Gorman seemed resigned to losing the enigmatic fullback, speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

The move means Barba could line up for Toulon as early as next week's Brisbane Tens, despite not being named in the team's initial squad for the tournament.

Duco Events on Wednesday confirmed he would be issued a formal invitation to play in the tournament if they wish.

Toulon's next Top 14 match is on February 18 against Lyon.

Share
Former teammates Mack Hansen and Ryan Lonergan are reunited on different sides of the field. Photo: Getty Images
Mate vs mate: Canberra origins rekindled for Hansen in Lions clash
WATCH LIVE: Buildcorp Australian Schools and Junior Rugby Union Championships - Day 2
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett was on Tuesday ruled out of the rest of the three-match series against France. Photo: Getty Images
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett out for rest of France series
Harry Potter in action in the Wallabies win over Fiji in Newcastle. Photo: Getty Images
Potter re-commits to Australian Rugby, joins Waratahs for 2026