Certainly sounds very similar to the rumour this time last year with Ma'u which of course turned out to be true.
As has been said it's hard to compete with the lure of Perpignan, the weather, the lifestyle and the financial benefits. Again same with Ma'u he's probably thinking a couple of years living in the South of France will be a great life experience for him and his family before it's time to call it a day and return home.