Toulon's record during Umaga's stay was eight wins in nine matches, and the one defeat was the match Umaga was injured for.

Umaga received a staggering EUR 350,000 for the two months (US$ 455,000), but has repaid his employers by dragging the team up from ninth to third in the French Pro D2 table, from where Toulon can fight their way back into the top flight from which they were relegated last year.

"I'm very happy. It's been a great time in my life to come here and play rugby and enjoy the French culture and the Toulon people," the 33-year-old, 74-Test veteran said to reporters.

"They've been very good to me. I'm sad to go home but New Zealand is home for me. But this is like my second or third home now."

Umaga was made a citizen of honour of Toulon when he arrived in October, even before he had touched a ball!

He scored tries in both his opening matches, and crowds swelled during his time there, with the 16,500-capacity Stade Felix Mayol bursting for his debut match against Lyon OU.

"I have rarely met someone so humble," coach Gilbert Doucet said.

"With all of his honours in the game, he could have had an oversized ego."