Conrad Smith could soon be the next All Blacks star to sign a French deal © Getty Images

Enlarge

All Blacks veteran Conrad Smith is the latest player to be linked with a move to France while Wallabies halfback Will Genia will reportedly join Stade Francais instead of English club Bath.

Smith is rumoured to be in the sights of French second division side Pau, the All Blacks centre a high priority for a club who will likely return to the Top 14 next season. According to French newspaper Midi Olympique, Pau are in "highly advanced" talks with Smith about a move north following this year's Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew said there would be no changes to the foreign eligibility laws despite the recent flood of departures; Smith's name the latest to be mentioned in a list that already features Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Jeremy Thrush and Ben Franks.

Genia, meanwhile, has reportedly been snapped up by Stade Francais on a three-year deal after his contract with Bath fell through due to the Aviva Premiership's salary cap restrictions and the English club's existing deal with rugby league convert Sam Burgess.

According to Midi Olympique, Genia had signed a "pre-contract" with Bath meaning Stade Francais would have had to come up with some form of compensation should they have wished to sign the Reds and Wallabies scrum-half. However that agreement occurred before the Aviva Premiership had raised the marquee player allowance from one player to two and with Bath already boasting Burgess on their books, any deal with Genia would effectively be null and void.

Genia has expressed a desire for a change in scenery for some time and his recent omission from the Reds leadership group suggests the club has given up any hope of retaining the veteran No.9. His likely departure will increase concerns about the Wallabies' long-term depth at scrum-half with Nic White having already announced he'll link with former coach Jake White at Montpellier after the World Cup.