Lote Tuqiri will turn his back on the Sydney Roosters and West Tigers and sign with the French Rugby Union.

Tuqiri is close to signing with Bayonne, the same club which enticed former Panthers Test halfback Craig Gower to Europe.

Former Broncos, Queensland and Kangaroos winger Tuqiri, who turns 30 this season, seems unlikely to ever play rugby league again.

Sources within France claim that Tuqiri will sign a deal worth $800,000 a season.

It is understood Tuqiri could officially sign with Bayonne as early as today.

Leading French manager Pierre Vandome told his Australian connections late last night that the deal was just about complete.