Northampton Saints lock Alex Moon will depart the membership on the finish of the season to affix Bayonne.
Moon, 27, has made 115 appearances since his Saints debut in 2016 and scored three tries.
He’s a former England Below-20 worldwide and took half in a 2020 coaching camp for the senior aspect.
“Alex’s transfer was introduced in a short time by Bayonne, and we’re upset our supporters could have heard the information that manner,” boss Phil Dowson stated.
“We wished to maintain maintain of Moony, however there have been just a few forces at play, with him desirous to play overseas at some stage and never being concerned with England within the right here and now.”
Northampton are presently prime of the Premiership and thru to the knockout stage of the European Champions Cup after profitable all 4 group video games.
“It simply seems like now could be the precise time for me to attempt my hand enjoying in a special league, and I am trying ahead to testing myself within the Top14,” Moon stated.
“I am nonetheless determined to complete my time right here on a excessive be aware; I have been concerned in three Premiership semi-finals with out progressing, which does not sit nicely with me.
“We have been inconsistent at instances all through my profession right here, doing okay however not realising our potential, however now we have got an actual alternative this season to win on the largest stage.”
Saints have tied Sam Graham, Robbie Smith, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Coles, George Furbank and Alex Mitchell to new contracts for subsequent season.
There has, nevertheless, been hypothesis that skipper Lewis Ludlam might additionally depart for France, having been linked with a doable transfer to Toulon.