The French connection could mean Mason quits Hull KR

Speculation mounted last night over the future of the colourful Australian Test forward who could bizarrely join Jonny Wilkinson, Australian legend Matt Giteau and renowned South Africa lock Bakkies Botha at the cash-rich Top 14 club despite being contracted at Craven Park until the end of 2013.

More pressingly, Rovers were forced into issuing a statement about Mason’s availability for the Good Friday encounter given his on-going passport problems.

He was named in their 19-man squad unlike Michael Dobson, the hugely influential scrum-half who was expected to return from ankle surgery at the KC Stadium.

Despite assurances otherwise, Rovers failed to shed any light on the registration or fitness of the injured Australian who was de-registered last month in order to allow Mason – awaiting the arrival of his Tongan passport – a place on their import quota.

Rovers claimed then that it was just a temporary measure but, 41 days later, the document has still not materialised leaving a massive problem given Dobson hopes to feature over Easter.

Justin Morgan’s team have won just two of the eight games in which he has been absent while the impact of marque capture Mason has been negligible.

If Toulon decide to make an offer for Mason, reported to have held talks with their wealthy club president Mourad Boudjellal last Wednesday, it could give Rovers a simple solution even if it would leave them severely embarrassed given the initial fuss they made about the 30-year-old’s signing.

However, yesterday the club, who have seen Clint Newton lose his race to be fit, tried to dampen rumours, saying: “(Passport) progress has been made over recent days with direct support from Tonga’s Prime Minister and a resolution is expected shortly.

“The circumstances surrounding the delay are unique and beyond the club’s control. It’d be inappropriate and potentially prejudicial to a short-term resolution of matters to comment any further yet.

“The club are unaware of any approach for Mason from French RU. He remains under contract and available for selection.”

Hull, just above 12th-placed Rovers, have dropped ex-captain Lee Radford with new signing Martin Gleeson ready to debut.