Newcastle Falcons utility man Tom May has confirmed he will be leaving the club for an unconfirmed French Top 14 side at the end of the current season.

May, 30, was one of several Falcons stars linked with a move abroad, and admitted the move was too good an opportunity to pass up at this time.

He said: "I was never going to get an opportunity like this again, to go and experience something new.

"My decision is in no way a reflection on the club's ambition or commitment."

May, who has notched 500 points in 264 appearances at Kingston Park, has played in a number of positions from fly-half in the absence of Jonny Wilkinson, to centre alongside England star Jamie Noon, and for much of his Falcons career out on the wing.

Tom has never given less than 100% Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates

And director of rugby Steve Bates believes May has deserved his chance to taste life on the continent after a decade on Tyneside.

"An opportunity has arisen for Tom to go and experience something unique in rugby, and whilst it was with reluctance that we have agreed to his departure, we can look back at a great career which has seen over a decade of outstanding service for this club," he said.

"Tom has never given less than 100% in any of the 264 games he has played, he has been a key figure for us again this season and he leaves the club with our sincere best wishes."

606: DEBATE Have your say on May's switch

May is the fourth departure from the Falcons side following the loss of Phil Dowson, Geoff Parling and David Wilson, and becomes the latest Premiership player to leave for the French ranks.

Wasps and England centre Riki Flutey is joining Brive, while Wasps team-mates Tom Palmer and James Haskell have signed for Stade Francais.

Jonny Wilkinson is also in talks with fellow Top 14 side Toulon about a possible switch next season.

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