KEY POINTS:
Sonny Bill Williams' code switch has been confirmed with the Kiwi rugby league international signing with French rugby club Toulon, AFP reported today.
Toulon's president Mourad Boudjellal told AFP Williams has joined the club for one year with an option of another year.
"(Williams) has confirmed his complete
desire to finish with rugby league to switch over to union," Boudjellal said.
Mr Boudjellal told leaguehq.com.au: "If everything goes well, he & could make his debut in a friendly match on Friday."
Williams left Sydney on July 26 for Europe, having apparently dumped the Bulldogs to play rugby for Toulon.
Canterbury, with the NRL's support, are attempting to legally enforce the 22-year-old's contract, however Boudjellal cannot see Williams returning to the 13-a-side code.
"I can't see him going back to league. That seems to be a closed chapter in his career."
Meanwhile Williams may be a step closer to be injuncted if a Sydney court orders his acquaintances should be served documents on his behalf.
Legal teams for the Bulldogs club and the NRL will apply in the NSW Supreme Court today to serve court papers at Williams' residence in Sydney, the Toulon rugby club in France and to a company which the New Zealand international is a director of, NRL lawyer Tony O'Reilly said.
Lawyers anticipate that if the order is granted a court date will be set for later this week where an application will be heard to prevent Williams from playing for the Toulon club, who he reportedly signed for on Tuesday.
Barrister Arthur Moses, acting for the Bulldogs, told the court on Tuesday that his client would be seeking damages from the Toulon club and from Williams' manager Khoder Nasser for inducing Williams to sign with the club.
The matter was briefly heard in the court on Tuesday morning and will resume later Tuesday.
Outside court, Mr O'Reilly told reporters the NRL expected someone to appear on behalf of Williams later this week.
If the order for substituted service is granted in court Tuesday, documents will be served detailing an application for injunction.
Last week, the NSW Supreme Court ordered the serving of a subpoena for Williams to appear in court, but he could not be located.
Mr O'Reilly told reporters that if the Bulldogs and the NRL were successful in court, Williams would have to take action to have himself represented in the court.
- NZ HERALD STAFF, AAP