Ma'a Nonu is a powerful presence in the All Blacks' midfield © Getty Images

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Ma'a Nonu is reported to have signed a two-year deal to join Top 14 and Heineken Cup champions Toulon after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

French newspaper Midi Olympique also reported that Nonu's All Blacks team-mate Charliue Faumuina had agreed a two-year deal with Racing Metro.

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal is long reported to have been in negotiations with Nonu, whom he has described as one of "les quatre fantastiques", and Midi Olympique reports the All Blacks centre has finalised a deal in the past days.

Nonu reported move, if confirmed, will see him become the first of the most senior All Blacks players to sign a deal to join an overseas club after the Rugby World Cup, as forecast recently by New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew. Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Conrad Smith are also off contract at the end of 2015.

"Most of the guys on that list have been incredibly loyal, long-serving contributors to a pretty successful era of All Black rugby," Tew said. "Whatever decision they make next we will respect and celebrate with them. "Some of them may consider staying; some will retire, some will look at France, Japan or elsewhere."

Blues flanker Luke Braid, meanwhile, has signed a two-year contract with French club Bordeaux-Begles to begin late next year. The deal allows him to play a fifth season of Super Rugby for the Blues.

"They had offered me a contract after 2013 and I contemplated going but I thought it was too early, there would be things left unfinished here," Braid said of Bordeaux. "But they chased me again so I just think getting the offer this early - and not many small No.7s get contracts over there, we aren't normally what they would take - so for me having that security offered early before the World Cup after which so many internationals will come off contract...it seemed a good option.

"I have spoken to Raf Ibanez a few times and he seems like a good guy and the team are doing quite well.

The former national age group and Maori All Blacks flanker Braid is considered unlucky not have followed in the footsteps of his father, Gary, and older brother, Daniel, in winning an All Blacks cap.

Bordeaux-Begles have also signed Otago outside back Jayden Spence for the remainder of the current Top 14 season. Spence has played four seasons at wing and centre in the ITM Cup.