Nigel Vagana is the latest rugby league star to sound out a move to French rugby, after it was confirmed the former Kiwi international will leave the NRL at season's end.
Vagana has played NSW Cup with North Sydney for much of the season, and needs to play three of the Rabbitohs remaining four matches to trigger a contract clause for next season, but that looks highly unlikely.
Souths reportedly refused to concede Vagana's NRL career was finished last night, but Vagana's manager Chris Orr has confirmed to Fairfax that he has sounded out overseas agents to try and secure a two-year deal at a French rugby club.
"We are more than happy for two other agents to find another contract for Nigel," Orr said.
"Nigel feels he has done everything he can in the NRL and would like to pursue his options in French rugby. Japan also remains an option."
Souths chief executive Shane Richardson last night denied Vagana was being forced out of the club the same way former Knights star Kirk Reynoldson's career at Newcastle was ended.
"Absolutely not," Richardson told Fairfax.
"We've sat down and talked with Nigel every step of the way over the last few months about his future. Nigel has had a lot of problems with injuries this season and he has been undecided about what he wants to do.
"If he decides to retire, we will try to get him a position with the club working with the club's Polynesian players. It's up to Nigel to make a decision."
