JOE Roff could be on his way to Newport in less than 12 months time. The giant Aussie wing has signed a 12-month deal with Biarritz after deciding to take a year off from playing in his home country.

But if all goes well during his time in the Med, the 25-year-old ACT Brumbie will almost certainly extend his time playing in Europe.

And if that's the case, he will consider a big-money move to Newport, one of the clubs who chased his signature earlier this year.

Roff, who will line up for the Wallabies against the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday said: "Newport was an option for me, but I decided that for this season coming up, I wanted to play in France.

"I am not ready to commit myself to a contract with one of the top British clubs just yet. I am looking at this coming year as a chance to fulfil some ambitions off the field too." "That is why I chose France. I want to experience the culture and maybe some surfing too!

Roff admits that if he loses his place in the Wallabies side because of his switch to France, he may extend his stay.

And if that happens, Newport is one of the clubs he will contact with a view to a longer-term switch.

"I have heard a great deal about the club and they are obviously one of the strongest teams in Wales," said Roff.

"They confirmed their ambition by signing Gary Teichmann two seasons ago and now they have picked up Joost van der Westhuizen.

"These are exciting times for the club and of course as a player you want to be part of something like that. When the time is right, I will look at the possibility."

A Super 12 winner with the Brumbies, Roff is one of the Wallabies who the Lions fear most.

On Saturday, he is almost certain to come up against Welshman Dafydd James. The Lions suffered a further setback with news that Lawrence Dallaglio will miss the forthcoming three-Test series.

Knee ligament trouble, hassidelined him from a tour that has already seen four other players - Simon Taylor, Phil Greening, Mike Catt and Dan Luger - dealt knockout blows. The former England captain suffered a setback during Saturday's bruising victory over New South Wales, and would risk possible knee reconstruction surgery if he continued playing.

Wales prop David Young captained the Lions when they were beaten by the Wallabies' second-string in Gosford last week but retains the job tomorrow.

The Lions, hand first tour starts to replacements Scott Gibbs and Tyrone Howe.