Hall to join Sykes in France

Hall, along with captain Steven Sykes, will head to Oyonnax at the conclusion of the campaign but will return to the Kings ahead of the 2017 season.

The move was confirmed by the Kings' Chief Operating Officer, Charl Crous – who was quick to reiterate that Hall would be returning.

"We have not released him from his contract. James [Hall] was only contracted for Super Rugby and he has been given the opportunity to gain some exposure abroad during what will be our Currie Cup season," he said.

Crous said Hall would return back to South Africa ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby campaign.