Mathew Tait: Leicester Tigers full-back to join Bayonne

Tait has won 38 England caps and played in the 2007 World Cup final against South Africa

Leicester Tigers full-back Mathew Tait has agreed a contract with French side Bayonne for next season.

The 28-year-old's deal ends in the summer and he has made the club aware of his intentions to end his four-year Welford Road stay.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "He is at the age where he has had a good offer and wants to experience something different.

"We wish him well and there is nothing else we can do about that."

County Durham-born Tait made his debut for Newcastle Falcons in 2004 and gained his first England cap as an 18-year-old during the 2005 Six Nations.

He moved to Sale Sharks in 2008 but has been plagued by injuries since joining Tigers and has not been part of the international set-up while in the East Midlands.