London Wasps winger Paul Sackey will leave the club for France at the end of the season.
Wasps winger to make France move next season
London Wasps winger Paul Sackey will leave the club for France at the end of the season.
Sackey is yet to confirm his exact destination but has announced his departure from the Guinness Premiership side, admitting Wasps could not compete financially with the offers he has received from French Top 14 clubs.
Sackey returned to Wasps in 2005 following a stint with London Irish before establishing himself as a Test player in 2007.
The 30-year-old was top try-scorer for England in the World Cup that year and has made over 100 appearances for Wasps.
Disappointment
"Paul leaving the club is obviously a disappointment," said Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks.
"He has been a Wasp for eight years, having started his career here before returning after a spell with London Irish.
"It has always been the Wasps way to see players depart on good terms, especially those who have served us like Sacks, and we have no doubt that he is committed to the cause for the next four months.
"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."
Opportunities
Sackey confessed the opportunities offered to him by French clubs had been too good to turn down.
"This was the hardest decision I've had to make because my heart is in Wasps and I will always support the club," said Sackey.
"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."
