David Strettle won the Premiership title with Saracens on Saturday – and promptly announced he was leaving for Clermont Auvergne, ending any lingering hopes of playing for England in this year’s home World Cup.
Sarries beat Bath 28-16 at Twickenham, but two days later the 31-year-old wing revealed he is heading to France to play in the Top 14.
Strettle, who has played over 100 games for Sarries and is the club’s leading Premiership try-scorer, said: “Something special really has been happening at Saracens in the past few years, and I feel very privileged to have been part of this period of success.
“I have had an amazing five years and am now really looking forward to a new chapter in my career, playing at ASM Clermont Auvergne and testing myself in the Top 14.”
Strettle was recently named in England’s 50-man training squad ahead of the autumn’s World Cup.
But the winger, who was last picked for his country in 2013, has effectively ruled himself out since the RFU have a policy of overlooking English players who represent foreign clubs.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here