All Blacks lock Ali Williams is to join European champions Toulon on a one-year contract for next season, replacing Englishman Nick Kennedy.

The 32-year-old Williams, who has been capped 77 times by his country, will arrive at Stade Mayol between mid-September and early October after completing the Super Rugby season with the Blues.

Kennedy asked to leave Toulon and club president Mourad Boudjellal said club policy was not to hold on to players who wanted to leave.

Williams is the seventh new signing by Toulon in the off-season after Martin Castrogiovanni, Benjamin Noirot, Emmanuel Felsina, Michael Claassens, Australian Drew Mitchell and Springbok Bryan Habana.

Toulon won the European Cup for the first time last season defeating Clermont in the final but, after leading the Top 14 for most of the year, they were upset in the championship final by Castres.