Barba had originally signed for the remainder of the season before the French rugby club extended their offer.

The NRL was yet to green light the 27-year-old’s Cronulla contract which was lodged last month.

The premiership-winning ace said the need to provide for his family was the catalyst for the move.

He had received a 12-week ban after testing positive to cocaine following the Sharks’ grand final triumph.  

NRL boss Todd Greenberg yesterday said Barba’s ban would not commence until he returned from France in June effectively rubbing him out for the season.

“…The NRL will not consider any contract for registration until he has completed his contract with other sports,” Greenberg said.

His manager Gavin Orr said Barba could play for Toulon at next week’s Global Tens in Brisbane.

“I dare say he will play in this Tens tournament,” Orr told NewsCorp.

“Ben can either look back at his mistakes or he can look forward and try to be an inspiration for his kids.

“Rugby has been on Ben’s radar before. At one stage he looked at being part of the Australian Sevens team for the Rio Olympics.

“Even before he joined the Sharks, he talked about challenging himself in rugby. Maybe things happen for a reason, but this is something he wants to pursue.”