All Blacks Nehe Milner-Skudder and Sam Whitelock linked to French club - report

Sam Whitelock and Nehe Milner Skudder are believed to be close to signing deals with French club Toulon according to reports.

French outlet RMC sport are reporting the All Blacks' duo along with South African lock Eben Etzebeth are in discussions to join the club after next year's World Cup.

It's believed talks are advanced, with the deal with Milner-Skudder believed to be for two to three years.

The wing's current deal with New Zealand Rugby come to an end following the World Cup. Milner-Skudder has struggled with a string of injuries since starring in the 2015 World Cup.

Last week Whitelock admitted to the Herald that Japan could be an option following the World Cup, but as part of a sabbatical.

Why All Black lock Sam Whitelock is thinking about Japan sabbatical

Whitelock, still only 29, is believed to want to have a crack at being part of the All Blacks 2023 World Cup campaign, but feels that after 10 seasons with the Crusaders and national side, he'll need some kind of break to make it that far.

Hence the option of playing in Japan after next year's World Cup. "I am going to make a few decisions after the end of year tour but at the moment I am pretty excited to get into rugby here," he said.