Noon has scored 55 tries in 241 appearances for Newcastle

Newcastle's England centre Jamie Noon has joined the exodus of English players heading for France this summer.

Noon, 30 on Saturday, is believed to be close to signing for French club Brive after he confirmed he would end his 10-year association with the Falcons.

"This has not been an easy decision, Newcastle Falcons is a tremendous club which made me what I am," said Noon.

Tom May has left the Falcons for Toulon while Jonny Wilkinson has also held discussions with the French side.

Noon, who has won 38 England caps, the last against Italy in this year's Six Nations, is the latest player to quit the Premiership in favour of a move across the channel, following fellow England internationals James Haskell, Riki Flutey, Tom Palmer and Iain Balshaw.

The number of players leaving England for France has raised a question mark over their ability to be available for the England team.

England elite rugby director Rob Andrew has already insisted players who move to France must attend all training sessions with the national team in order to be selected.

606: DEBATE I still think that we need a top class hooker, a prop to replace Wilson, I'd also like to see another outside centre come in for Noon 1falcon1

Falcons have allowed Noon to leave despite having one year left on his contract.

"I have received an offer to go and experience something new over in France," said Noon.

"With our three children being so young, myself and my wife Rachel were never going to get the chance again as a family to go and sample such a different way of life and a new culture."

Noon, who has scored 55 tries in 241 appearances for the Falcons, added: "I would like to thank Newcastle for allowing me to take up this challenge, and for their understanding in what has been an extremely difficult decision in leaving a club where I have so many good friends and fond memories.

"I have no doubt that the club will go from strength to strength with the quality of players and coaches at Kingston Park, and I wish the Falcons and their supporters all the best for the future."

ENGLISH PLAYERS ON FRENCH LEAVE Biarritz: Ayoola Erinle, Iain Balshaw Brive: Riki Flutey Stade Francais: Tom Palmer, James Haskell Toulon: Tom May, Kris Chesney, Joe El-Abd

Falcons director of rugby, Steve Bates, hailed Noon's contribution during his decade on Tyneside.

"Jamie has been an outstanding performer for this club during every single one of his 10 seasons," he said.

Bates has embarked on a rebuilding job at Kingston Park following the loss of Phil Dowson, Geoff Parling and David Wilson.

The Falcons have strengthened their ranks by signing Harlequins winger Charlie Amesbury, Ospreys flanker Filipo Levi, Auckland Blues fly-half Jimmy Gopperth and Tongan flanker Josh Afu, who has joined from National One side Doncaster.

"Naturally, as with any job, it is sad when people move on, but our progress in bringing players to Newcastle remains extremely positive behind the scenes," added Bates.

"The talent we are recruiting can really drive this club forward, and everybody at Kingston Park is already looking forward to our prospects for next season with the ambition the club is currently showing."

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