Armitage quits Irish for Toulon while Sarries land Hargreaves
LONDON Irish full-back Delon Armitage has confirmed his summer transfer to Toulon, where he will join brothers Steffon and Guy.
The long-mooted move sees Armitage, 28, become the latest in a procession of English players to be tempted by a lucrative deal with a French club.
It is almost certain to spell the end of his 26-cap England career, however, with foreign-based players told they will be overlooked.
“I feel it’s the right time for me to move on at this stage in my rugby career,” said Armitage. “I am looking forward to joining Steffon and Guy at Toulon.”
Meanwhile Saracens are to sign South Africa lock Alistair Hargreaves in the summer from Super Rugby side Sharks.
Hargreaves, 25, is set to replace Australian forward Hayden Smith, who has agreed to switch sports to join the NFL’s New York Jets.