Waisake Naholo in action for the Highlanders.
French media are reporting that former test wing Hosea Gear is to join Clermont Auvergne, the club which was set to take Highlanders wing Naholo away from the All Blacks' grasp.
Gear has had trouble breaking into the Chiefs lineup this season, although he did get a run late season when he performed well.
Clermont have ended up running a merry-go-round of New Zealand wings, after granting the troubled Zac Guildford an early release this year.
Naholo, a try-scoring sensation in Super Rugby, had signed a two-year deal with the club but New Zealand Rugby reportedly got involved in getting him released from that.
The 31-year-old Gear has previously played for Toulouse in the Top 14.
