Rugby: Former All Black Malakai Fekitoa set to leave Toulon to join Wasps

Malakai Fekitoa in action for Toulon. Photo / Getty

Former All Black Malakai Fekitoa is set to leave French Top 14 giants Toulon to join English club Wasps, according to a report from the UK.

The Times reports that Fekitoa's move to the struggling English side is expected to be announced "in the next few days".

The move also appears to wipe out hopes that the 26-year-old midfielder would return to New Zealand to have another go at making the All Blacks squad.

In an interview with the Herald in September last year, Fekitoa said he was pondering the prospect of returning to New Zealand to have another shot at the black jersey.

"Many people believe I'm out but I'm too young to give up on that," he said.

"I want to play at the highest level again. I want to put my hand up and get picked. I know I'm not part of the plan now but who knows?

"If you put in the work, have the right mindset and enjoy your rugby, things will come. Test rugby is still up there, so hopefully I return and be competitive again."

However, it appears Fekitoa – who reportedly currently earns a salary of $700,000 at Toulon – has decided to continue his career in the Northern Hemisphere.

The former Highlanders centre made a shock move to Toulon in 2017 after playing his 24th All Blacks test against the touring British and Irish Lions.

Fekitoa will join his old All Blacks teammate Lima Sopoaga and former Hurricanes and Wellington captain Brad Shields at the Wasps.