Jonny Wilkinson is to quit English rugby after signing a deal with Toulon. England's 2003 World Cup-winning outhalf is one of a raft of acquisitions made by the big-spending French club for next season.
Wilkinson, who is believed to have signed a two-year contract with Toulon, will end his 12-year association with the Falcons and become the latest England international to swap the Guinness Premiership for France's Top 14.
A Falcons statement read: "Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is leaving the club, to take up a new challenge in France."
Reports in France claim Wilkinson will earn €800,000 a season during his time at Toulon, who will be led next season by former Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre.
The injury-plagued Wilkinson, who turns 30 next Monday, has not played since dislocating a kneecap at Gloucester last September.
But Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal appears to be satisfied with the England star's fitness levels and has made him the club's marquee signing for next season.
Wilkinson's debut for Toulon could come on the weekend of August 15th/16th when next season's Top 14 campaign kicks off.
Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates said: "Jonny will undoubtedly go down as one of Newcastle's all-time greats.
"He has contributed an incredible amount to this club over the past 12 seasons, and been an inspirational figurehead for rugby in the north-east.
"Even during the times when his appearances for us were restricted he has always remained a positive presence behind the scenes, and everyone here thanks him for his fantastic service as well as wishing him all the best for his new life over in France."
Riki Flutey, James Haskell, Tom Palmer, Jamie Noon and Iain Balshaw are the other England internationals who will move to France this summer.
Toulon have also confirmed the signings of Sale trio Sebastien Bruno, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Rory Lamont, Munster prop Tim Ryan, Bristol flanker Joe el Abd, Saracens back-rower Kris Chesney, Cardiff centre Jamie Robinson, Newcastle back Tom May and Leinster's Argentina international Felipe Contepomi.
But Wilkinson, who can speak French, is their most eye-catching recruit. The switch was dependent on Toulon remaining in the Top 14 and they secured their top-flight status a week last Friday with an away win at Dax.
Their victory over Montpellier at the weekend meant they finished in ninth place, outside the Heineken Cup spots.
Newcastle, long resigned to Wilkinson's departure, recently announced the signing of Junior All Black fly-half Jimmy Gopperth for next season.
