Paul O'Connell's move to French Top 14 side Toulon has been confirmed.
Club owner Mourad Boudjellal told RTÉ that the Irish international has signed a two-year deal. He was contracted to the IRFU for a further year but they agreed to his early release.
Earlier today there were reports that the move could be delayed or possibly even cancelled due to an old shoulder injury. The Top 14 transfer window closes at midnight tonight.
Keith Wood told Newstalk recently that O'Connell loves the culture in the south of France and that the second row was envious of Jonny Wilkinson's time with Toulon.
The chance to live in France was probably not the only enticing factor which influenced the decision. O'Connell will likely get a major pay bump from his time with Munster. Former Toulon second rows Ali Williams and Bakkies Botha were reportedly on €32,000 and €41,000 a month respectively.
O'Connell played his final game for Munster in a PRO12 final loss to Glasgow at the end of May.
