France’s No8 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.
Coming soon to a @premrugby ground near you from summer 2016 - French international no 8 Louis Picamoles pic.twitter.com/DJN40OoKGW
— Northampton Saints (@SaintsRugby) November 2, 2015
“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.
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder welcomed the capture of a respected 51-cap international who is in his prime.
“Louis is a world-class player and a proven performer at the highest level of club and international rugby,” Mallinder said.
“He was France’s standout performer at the World Cup and we’re excited by the prospect of him linking up with the quality players we have here already.
“He’s still young and we believe that his best years are still to come. When we met it was clear that he has the drive and ambition to improve and be successful, and we’re delighted that he will be doing that here with us at Franklin’s Gardens.”
Picamoles is the second high-profile recruit recently secured by Northampton with South Africa’s veteran lock Victor Matfield starting a one-year deal now the World Cup is over.
