‘A lifestyle choice’: Louis Picamoles leaves Toulouse for Northampton

France's number eight Louis Picamoles has revealed that he will join Northampton next season, when his contract with Toulouse expires.

Picamoles, 29, told the French radio station RMC Sport on Monday that he will leave at the end of the season and sign a three-year deal with the Saints. The club later confirmed the news on their website.

“I made my decision. I have told my current club,” he said. “Next year, I’m off to Northampton. And for the next three seasons. Above everything it is a lifestyle choice. I have this opportunity that is open to me.

“Since I will soon be 30 years old, to go abroad is something that has always attracted me and now that the opportunity has been presented, I think it is the right time for me to try this experiment.”

Picamoles had been linked with a move to the Premiership in recent weeks, with Bath also thought to have shown an interest.