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Toulon rugby coach Tana Umaga says he's keen to get controversial league convert Sonny Bill Williams adapted into the team environment as soon as possible.
Williams walked out on his Bulldogs National Rugby League (NRL) team and headed to Britain last weekend, leaving Australian league officials fuming and pursuing legal action against him.
But the Samoan New Zealander is finalising a contract with French side Toulon and could be playing within a few days.
Umaga told TV3 News tonight the move had created some excitement in his neighbourhood and the team were keen to get him on board.
He said he had been in contact with Williams, who had assured him he wanted to get out of the NRL and start testing himself in rugby union.
Umaga said the team would work to overcome the distractions Williams faced by keeping him busy.
"We'll just try to keep him busy and keep him focused on what he needs to learn here - and that he enjoys his time here I think is a big part of it."
Umaga said Williams was likely to adapt wherever he played, but centre was the most likely position.
Toulon club president Mourad Boudjellal this morning told AFP Williams was due in France within the next day or two and everything was on course for him to sign for the club and make his debut in a friendly on Friday.
"If everything goes well, he will have his medical on Tuesday and could make his debut in a friendly match on Friday" (against Carqueirannes-Hyeres).
The Bulldogs are attempting to legally enforce Williams' NRL contract and prevent a feared mass exit of the game's elite stars to cashed-up European clubs.
- NZPA
