Rugby league star Ben Barba has hopped codes to sign a deal with Top 14 giant Toulon until the end of the season.

Barba won the Premiership with Cronulla Sharks in NRL last season, but was released in November after he tested positive for cocaine.

The Sharks announced earlier this month that they had re-signed Barba for the upcoming season, but that deal is still pending approval from NRL.

In the meantime, Barba will play in the 15-man format with Toulon on a contract that runs for the remainder of its campaign.

"The Australian star of rugby league Ben Barber has committed to Rugby Club Toulonnais until the end of this season," A Toulon statement read.

Barba is set to arrive in Toulon next week and could be in line to play against Lyon in Top 14 on 19 February (AEDT).