Jamie Heaslip is in France for contract talks with Toulon and Montpellier about a possible move away from Leinster in 2014.

The Irish Times reports that although Heaslip would prefer to stay at Leinster but contract discussions with the IRFU have not progressed in recent months.

Heaslip became Ireland’s highest paid player in 2011 when he signed a 3 year deal but a move to France would likely reap far greater financial rewards. Toulon are the richest club in world rugby and their squad already includes high profile international stars Johnny Wilkinson and Bryan Habana.

Sean O’Brien is another Irish player reportedly attracting interest from Top 14 clubs, with Toulon and Clermont rumoured to be interested in signing the Irish international. If Heaslip does decide to play his club rugby outside Ireland it could signal something of an exodus, with the IRFU’s position significantly weakened as contract talks with O’Brien, Keith Earls and Paul O’Connell all due to start in the coming months.