David Strettle© Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Clermont Auvergne have confirmed the signing of Saracens and England winger David Strettle on a three-year deal.

The move sees Strettle join fellow England back Nick Abendanon at Les Jaunards but it does place his immediate international career in jeopardy. Strettle was included in England's 50-man Rugby World Cup training squad but his decision to swap the Aviva Premiership for the Top 14 might see Stuart Lancaster assess other options as RFU policy dictates they will not pick those based overseas unless in exceptional circumstances.

Strettle has enjoyed a prolific few years at Saracens and he started their Premiership final win over Bath on Saturday but his career will now continue at Clermont.

"We are very pleased to have managed to convince David to join Clermont," said sporting director Jean-Marc Lhermet. "His arrival shows the ambitions of our recruitment as we continue to build."

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall paid tribute to Strettle, saying: "David has been a fine servant during his time at Saracens. He has made over 100 appearances for the club and is Saracens leading try scorer in the Premiership history. At the age of 31 he has the opportunity to test himself in a different league and experience a different lifestyle. We thank David for all of his efforts, and wish him all the luck in the future."

Strettle added: "Something special really has been happening at Saracens in the past few years, and I feel very privileged to have been part of this period of success, on and off the field. We have won some famous matches and several trophies, but the bond within the squad has been incredible and it's fantastic to see this culture producing a new generation of top young players.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel, Edward and Mark, and all the coaches and staff. I have had an amazing five years at Saracens and am now really looking forward to a new chapter in my career, playing at ASM Clermont Auvergne and testing myself in the Top 14."