Tomane confirmed on Tuesday he had finalised a deal to link with former Brumbies mentor Jake White at Montpellier when the Super Rugby season ends.

Tomane says he wants to repay the faith shown in him by the Brumbies, leaving the door open for an Australian rugby return in the future and is adamant the ACT team can win a Super Rugby championship before he leaves.

However, his comeback from a 10-week knee injury could be delayed at least another week with the speedster set to miss the trip to New Zealand to play the Auckland Blues on Friday night.

Tomane joins a list of departing Brumbies that already boasts Stephen Moore (Queensland Reds), Matt Toomua (Leicester), David Pocock (sabbatical) and Ita Vaea (retired).

European clubs have a warchest of money to offer Australia's best players thanks to massive television deals and are targeting rising stars, not just players nearing the end of their careers as they did in the past.

"Joey has had a stand out year this season and was definitely the form winger in the competition before injury hit," Larkham said.

"He's been tremendous for us for the last five years, it's just a shame the money over there [in France] is just too big at the moment.

"Both the Brumbies and ARU tried to come up with an offer but just couldn't compete. Not everyone demands that money overseas, and this guys [going] develop a reputation playing good Super Rugby.

"There will always be these issues … it's the international rugby cycle. Players go for an opportunity, but they lose the chance to play for Australia and that's really hard.

"It's difficult knowing you part of the Wallabies and how special it was. There's no doubt they will miss it."

The Brumbies and ARU launched a late bid to try to offer a deal to keep Tomane in Australia, but the opportunity at Montpellier was too good to pass up.

White and Tomane first partnered up when Tomane quit the NRL at the end of 2011 to join the Brumbies revival under the South African World Cup winner.

Tomane doesn't meet the requirements of "Giteau Law" of 60 Tests and seven years of service to be eligible for Wallabies selection after signing an overseas contract.

Tomane has won 17 Wallabies caps and 68 Brumbies games in five seasons in Australian rugby.

"It was a very difficult decision to make, but I feel the time is right to challenge myself and play rugby in a different environment," Tomane said.

"It is also an opportunity to live abroad and do what I love most – play rugby.

"I hope that the possibility of returning to the Wallabies in the future is something that could happen, however right now my focus is doing everything I can to help the Brumbies in 2016 before my move to France."

The Brumbies will name their team on Wednesday for the clash against the Blues as they continue a tight battle for Australia's guaranteed finals berth.

Tomane is getting closer to a comeback from a medial ligament problem in his knee, but he hasn't played since April 24 and Larkham is putting faith in the incumbent wingers.

"It's really difficult to leave the Brumbies because of the love and admiration I have for my teammates, coaches and everyone else at the club, as well as all of the fans that have become a huge part of my life in Canberra," Tomane said.

"I'm excited by the opportunity this current group has over the remaining matches we have in 2016 and truly believe we can win this year's Super Rugby title.

"This news just gives me even more drive to repay the faith of the Brumbies and the support of our fans. I hope I have made you proud every time I have worn the Brumbies jersey."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND 16

Friday: Auckland Blues v ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, 5.30pm AEST. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2.