The Newcastle centre, who has been widely reported to be joining Brive, follows in the footsteps of several fellow England internationals including James Haskell, Riki Flutey, Tom Palmer, Iain Balshaw and Ayoola Erinle in moving from the Premiership to France's Top 14.

Noon's announcement came amidst continuing speculation linking his injury prone Newcastle and England colleague Jonny Wilkinson with a cross-Channel move to Toulon.

Noon, who has spent 10 seasons with the north-east side, said: 'This has not been an easy decision, because Newcastle Falcons is a tremendous club which has really made me what I am today.

'The supporters have always been fantastic during every single one of my 10 years here, and I hope they can understand that this is not a decision I have taken lightly,' added the midfielder, who turns 30 this coming Saturday.

'I have received an offer to go and experience something new over in France, and with our three children being so young myself and my wife Rachel were never going to get the chance again as a family to go and sample such a different way of life and a new culture.'

Noon, the scorer of 55 tries in 241 Falcons' appearances, added: 'I would like to thank Newcastle for allowing me to take up this challenge, and for their understanding in what has been an extremely difficult decision in leaving a club where I have so many good friends and fond memories.

'I wish the Falcons and their supporters all the best for the future,' said Noon, who has scored seven tries in 38 England appearances.

Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates added: 'Jamie has been an outstanding performer for this club during every single one of his 10 seasons. Not only that, but his attitude in training and behind the scenes has been a key contributory factor to the success we have enjoyed, including three cup final appearances and two Twickenham victories.

'He came here as a teenager but has grown into a man, cementing his place in our first team before going on to achieve well-deserved international recognition. He leaves with our best wishes, and I am sure he will go on to be a big success at his new club.' -- AFP