Gower has made 228 appearances for Penrith

According to reports the 29-year-old, who has 14 caps for the Australian rugby league side, is aiming to represent Italy at rugby union.

NRL side Penrith are going to release him from the final two years of his contract at the end of the season.

"We have reluctantly agreed in principle to Craig's request," said Penrith general manager Michael Leary.

"We believe that, under the circumstances, it is in his best interests to have a change.

"Our decision was based on the great service that Craig has given our club."

Gower is third in the Panthers' all-time appearance list having played 228 matches for Penrith.

His career has also been mired in controversy, with an alcohol fuelled incident at a charity golf tournament in 2005 costing him the Penrith club captaincy.

He was handed an Aus$100,000 (�42,400) fine, although $70,000 (�29,700) of that was suspended.

Gower is eligible to represent Italy in rugby union because of his family heritage.

Last season Bayonne finished eighth in the Top 14, the French equivalent to the Guinness Premiership.