Sackey signs with Toulon

Sackey, 30, will play alongside fellow England player Jonny Wilkinson, who joined the southern French side last year.

"This was the hardest decision I've had to make because my heart is in Wasps and I will always support the club," Sackey said in a statement on Wasps website.

"I have spent some great years here and my heart is here, but I feel the opportunities put in front of me were just too good to ignore.

"I want Wasps to do well and now the most important thing is to make sure we play well and finish the season with silverware."

Tony Hanks, Wasps director of rugby added: "Paul leaving the club is obviously a disappointment.

"In terms of his departure he has received offers from France that we simply cannot compete with. This is a situation that currently exists in professional club rugby.

"It is disappointing to lose a player of Paul's ability and standing within the team but considering his own career ambitions to play for only two or three more seasons then it is hard to argue with his decision. He is securing his financial future."

Sackey has scored 11 tries in 22 games for England.

He will follow in the footsteps of many other England players who have joined French clubs in recent years such as centre Riki Flutey (Brive) plus lock Tom Palmer and flanker James Haskell (both Stade Francais).