Skrela to join Toulouse

France fly-half David Skrela has announced he will leave Stade Francais at the end of the season and join Top 14 rivals Toulouse.

The 28-year-old will sign a three-year deal with Toulouse, who are currently top of the championship.

“I am leaving,” he told French daily L’Equipe.

“It will be Toulouse and this decision, which I took a fortnight ago, wasn’t an easy choice but the two clubs were waiting for my decision.

“I am going to sign a three-year contract, which will take me to the end of my career.”

Argentina star Juan-Martin Hernandez and up-and-coming France prospect Lionel Beauxis are competing with Skrela for the fly-half berth at Stade.

Skrela was not guaranteed a starting spot and Toulouse have been looking for a number 10 to fill the boots of Frederic Michalak, who left for the Natal Sharks at the end of last season.

“Above all, it was a sporting decision,” added Skrela, who was born in Toulouse.

“Toulouse are a major club in our league and their aims are always high.

“And the insistence of their directors that I sign made me think that they really want me.”

Skrela, who joined Stade in 2003, has earned 14 caps for France but has not been included in the squad to face Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship this weekend.