France winger Virimi Vakatawa expected to sign new exclusive Les Bleus deal

04 May 2016 01:23

France winger Virimi Vakatawa is expected to turn down the chance to play Top 14 rugby and instead sign a new two-year deal contracting him exclusively to Les Bleus.

The Fijian-born flyer will feature in both the Sevens and 15-a-side international sides by committing to the French Rugby Federation (FFR), L'Equipe reported on Wednesday.

According to the French sports daily, Vakatawa could have earned a substantially higher salary by accepting offers tabled by leading clubs.

The newspaper reported Vakatawa received offers from Toulon, Stade Francais, Bordeaux-Begles and his former club Racing 92, and might have earned around £120,000 more over the next two years by signing up with a top side.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Vakatawa had not put pen to paper.

"For the moment, nothing is signed," said an FFR spokesperson.

Vakatawa made his debut for Guy Noves' France XV this year in the Six Nations, and scored a try on his debut against Italy.

He is set to play Sevens for France at the Rio Olympics this summer, having emerged as a superstar in the small-sided game.

Vakatawa is relishing the chance to go for gold.

He said: "I'm very proud and it's something that will make a mark on my life. When I came to France in 2010 I wasn't expecting, one day in my life, to be able to take part in the Olympics and I know now that I've made the right choice to decide to play for the France team.

"It will be very important for me to defend this shirt and I'm going to work hard to reach my best level."

Source: PA