Gregan puts pen to paper with Toulon

Australia captain George Gregan, the world's most-capped player, has signed a one-season deal with Toulon of France.

The Brumbies star agreed the terms of his contact on Thursday and will join up with the highly ambition side after this year's Rugby World Cup.

"George Gregan, the scrum-half of the Wallabies, the world's record cap-holder and world champion in 1999, is joining Toulon for the 2007-08 season," read a statement on Toulon's official website.

"It is an enormous new coup for [club president] Mourad Boudjellal to attract this talented number nine."

Boudjellal, a local businessman who is investing heavily in the club in an attempt to recover its top-flight status, has already managed to attract the likes of former New Zealand captain Tana Umaga and England RWC-winner Dan Luger.

He claimed he paid Umaga's wages - believed to be around 300,000 euros ($400,800) - out of his own pocket.

He is likely do the same for his 33-year-old Australian import, who will earn an estimated 400,000 euros ($534,360) during his spell in the south-east of France.

Toulon are currently lying second in France's second division, the Pro D2. There is daylight between Gregan's new side and Auch, the league leaders, but the Red and Blacks still remain in line for promotion to the Top 14.

Gregan has127 caps to his name and has captained his country on 54 occasions.