Soane Tonga’uiha has confirmed he will leave Northampton Saints at the end of this season.
The 31-year-old loosehead prop will leave Franklin’s Gardens after seven years’ and more than 200 appearances.
His career at the Saints includes a man-of-the-match performance in the successful 2010 LV= Cup Final, an Amlin Challenge Cup winners’ medal, an appearance in the 2011 Heineken Cup Final and selection in several Aviva Premiership Rugby Dream Teams.
Tonga’uiha will be joining Top 14 outfit Racing Metro and says that the move to Paris was not an easy decision to make.
He said: “My seven years at Northampton have been very happy ones.
“I have been with the club through relegation to promotion to the Heineken Cup final and it is a journey that has made Saints a part of me.
“Northampton is a fantastic club, with excellent coaches, management, staff and facilities.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported me during my seven years here.”
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: “Soane has been a big part of the squad throughout my time at the Saints.
“He has shown consistency and durability in one of the toughest positions on the field and will go down as one of the best props to play for the club.”