Southwell is the latest player to join the exodus of British players to France

Scotland full-back Hugo Southwell will leave Edinburgh in the summer after agreeing a move to Stade Francais.

The 28-year-old, who has 48 caps, has signed a two-year deal and will join international team-mate Simon Taylor at the French side.

"Stade Francais are one of Europe's best teams," Southwell told Stade's official website.

"It is a great experience and a great opportunity for me to come to Paris. It's a great challenge in front of me."

Southwell was Scotland's first-choice full-back going into this year's Six Nations, but lost his place to Edinburgh team-mate Chris Paterson for the defeat by England after a disappointing campaign.

"I have spoken about it with Simon Taylor during the Six Nations and he only said good things about the club to me," he said.

Southwell has been at Edinburgh for six years after enjoying spells at Bristol and Worcester.

606: DEBATE I think moves of this kind can indeed work out well for some players, particularly if there's a sense that they've got a little stale AsLongAsBut100ofUsRemainAlive

The move is the latest in a long line of players leaving Britain to ply their trade in France.

England's Ben Cohen, Steve Thompson, Magnus Lund and Perry Freshwater are already playing in the Top 14 while so far this year, England internationals James Haskell, Riki Flutey, Tom Palmer, Iain Balshaw and Ayoola Erinle have signed up to play in France next season.

Flanker Haskell and lock Palmer will be joining Southwell at Stade.

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