Ben Barba has surprised the rugby league world by signing with French rugby club Toulon on a short-term deal despite being suspended by the NRL for cocaine use. Barba is currently without a contract at Cronulla but was set to return to the Sharks by mid-year if and when he was registered by the NRL.

Toulon announced on Tuesday night that Barba would be joining them next week.

The NRL are now expected to only allow Barba to serve his suspension once he returns from France midway through the season.

In a further twist, Barba could play for Toulon in the inaugural Brisbane Global Tens to be played next week.

#BREAKING: @Cronulla_Sharks star Ben Barba may never play for the NRL again. @luke_dufficy has the details. #9News pic.twitter.com/RdbXQWI7Tm

— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) February 1, 2017