Pau sign Smith but lose Savea

Ardie Savea has backed out of a deal to play for French club Pau after the World Cup, but Ben Smith has accepted terms.

It is believed that before the All Blacks’ recent northern tour, Savea had agreed in principle to join the Top 14 side after next year’s tournament.

However, the president of Pau, Bernard Pontneau, said because of pressure from New Zealand Rugby, Savea had backed out of the deal.

‘‘It is for certain that he will not be coming,’’ Pontneau said.

‘‘It’s disappointing, but it’s also the risk you take when wanting to recruit a young player.’’

For Savea to leave New Zealand at the age of 25, it would have been a significant blow for the All Blacks and Hurricanes and it would send out a bad message that a player in his peak years is heading off.

However, the 32-year-old Ben Smith is coming towards the end of his career and there wouldn’t be any issues about him picking up a big contract in France after the World Cup. Pontneau confirmed Smith’s signing.

‘‘We would have liked to have had this sorted earlier than this.’’ Pontneau said.

‘‘He is is a great player, who will bring a lot to the team.’’

It is unknown how long Smith will play with Pau for, as it had been previously reported that he was looking to sign a seven-month contract with the club close to the Spanish border, before moving to Japan.

This could also be the same situation for All Blacks captain Kieran Read, who is understood to have agreed to a compromise deal with Parisbased club Racing 92, where he’ll join them after the World Cup, before going to Japan.