Ben Barba's post-NRL career has started positively with an earlier-than-expected rugby union debut with Toulon as he rebuilds his life in France.
A month after signing with the Top 14 glamour club, Barba appeared as a late substitute in the club's loss to Brive on Sunday.
He agent Chris Orr said the former Cronulla star was settling into life in southern France.
His family, including wife and four daughters, were expected to arrive in a fortnight when accommodation had been sorted, while language and cultural unfamiliarities had not proven major barriers.
"He's enjoying the environment, the players and the coaching staff," Orr told AAP.
"He's very fortunate that the team that he's playing with obviously has an English coach, English assistant coach, Australian assistant coach and about 60-70 per cent of the squad speak English.
"He's hoping he gets more game time next weekend. He wasn't expected to play on the weekend but they were down on troops."
The NRL premiership-winning fullback came on in the 76th minute at Brive's Stade Amedee-Domenech, replacing Alesana Tuilagi on the wing in the 15-5 defeat.
Barba, who left Australia while facing a 12-match NRL suspension for a second positive illicit drugs test, made two tackles in his short appearance.
The 27-year-old was selected on Toulon's bench in the No.21 jersey following countryman James O'Connor's one-week suspension for alleged cocaine possession.
He joined former Wallaby and Toulon fullback Drew Mitchell on the field, also playing alongside rugby superstars Ma'a Nonu and Bryan Habana.
Regular fullback Leigh Halfpenny missed the match due to international Six Nations duties with Wales.
Barba was initially expected to be forced to wait possibly until 2018 to make his Toulon debut given his limited experience in the 15-man game.
Barba told French reporters last month he had turned up to Toulon in a physical condition to play "as soon as possible" and his efforts at training have impressed coach Mike Ford.
After the match, it was all smiles as Barba posed with Mitchell for an Instagram post.
"Welcome (Barba) to the Rugby Family!!" Mitchell posted.
The result on Sunday leaves Toulon in fifth place on the Top 14 table.
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