Beauden Barrett says the savaging of former All Blacks teammate Julian Savea by Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal would make him think twice about joining the French club.
The unrepentant French millionaire doubled-down on his criticism of Savea on Tuesday after sparking player backlash over the weekend with his criticism of the winger.
Boudjellal initially said Savea's form was well below expectations and the 28-year-old was no longer welcome at the club, even though he has more than a year to run on his two-season contract.
Savea responded on social media that he would put negativity behind him and play on, prompting support from a host of players, including former Wallabies and Toulon winger Drew Mitchell.
New Zealand five-eighth Barrett took things a step further when quizzed if Boudjellal's comments would put him off signing for Toulon when he weighs up the possibility of an overseas club contract after this year's World Cup.
"It certainly doesn't help," the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year told reporters.
"Firstly, you've got to be comfortable. It's a big move to move offshore and you have to be happy with a number of things.
"Your family have to be happy, you have to be happy with the coaching setup and team culture, so there are a number of different things.
"It's totally different over there from what we see externally. It must be a different dynamic, it's not the same as here."
The backlash didn't stop Boudjellal issuing another critique of Savea in an interview with Le Parisien, saying the rest of his contract will be "very long for him".
The owner was particularly unhappy Savea took a month off around a trip to Fiji to attend the wedding of his brother and All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea.
"I can not think it's normal for a player paid more than 1 million euros per year to go on holiday to Fiji for a month in December ... he just had to attend his brother's wedding, not take long leave," he said.
Boudjellal said he didn't care what other players thought, hoping his words served as a warning for those considering joining the club.
"Do not come to Toulon as a tourist. There is enough in the region," he said.
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