Northampton Saints have announced that Louis Picamoles has signed a contract to join the club from the beginning of the 2016 season.
The French No.8, 29, was the standout performer for France in the World Cup and he will move to Franklin’s Gardens after seven seasons in Toulouse.
He said: “It is going to be an honour to become part of a club as prestigious as the Saints. I’m really looking forward to learn more about the club, my future team mates, to play in the Aviva Premiership and to immerse myself in the English culture, especially my first big derby against Leicester!
“I’m really ambitious to win titles and I’m convinced that I will do this with the Saints. The club has all the coaches, players and staff to reach the top of the sport in England and in Europe, and I’m looking forward to arriving at Franklin’s Gardens.”
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder commented: “Louis is a world class player and a proven performer at the highest level of club and international rugby.
“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 is 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.
“Louis is a fantastic addition to the squad and his signing is a real coup for the club as we look to continually improve and compete at the highest level, both in the Aviva Premiership and in Europe.”
