Even in the hours before the deal was finally confirmed, doubt had surrounded the prospect of Paul O'Connell's move to French rugby giants Toulon.

But yesterday, it was announced that he will indeed spend the next portion of his illustrious career with Europe's reigning champions, bringing an end to a protracted saga over the Munster legend's future.

"It's been an extraordinary 24 hours," Gavin Mortimer of Rugby World magazine told Off The Ball tonight of events behind the scenes prior to confirmation of the deal.

Just had a well-placed source tell me about Paul O'Connell that Toulon "went cold on him last week for no reason. Were uncontactable."

— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) June 15, 2015

"On Monday morning Midi Olympique ran a piece that really suggested that it was off, that Toulon were worried about his shoulder and might take him as a short-term loan after the World Cup. And then by the end of yesterday, everything was hunky dory and he'd signed. So it was a very strange transfer situation," said Mortimer, also speaking of his tweet about his source's information.

As for the benefits of the move for Ireland's captain and Toulon, Mortimer described it as a "great signing because [Toulon] need him".

"What they really miss is that talismanic figure to fill the void left by Ali Williams and Botha," he said, explaining that his experience and drive will be of benefit to the French team.