Media reports of his departure are being circulated today (Thursday) and confirmation of the move are expected later.

In France, Pau were dealt a body blow when it was announced that their French international number eight Imanol Harinordoquy had agreed a two-year contract with Biarritz.

The 24-year-old Harinordoquy had initially come through the ranks at Biarritz before signing for Pau in 1999.

"He is a great player and he's Basque which is a plus," said Biaritz Chairman Marcel Martin.

"He's an ideal player for us. My dream would be to have 15 Basque players at the club and we have several already."

Biarritz are in the play-offs of the French championships with a semi-final place at stake while Pau are in the relegation play-offs though there is little danger of the drop into the second division.