Newcastle Falcons have signed French centre Maxime Mermoz for the 2017/18 season.
Mermoz joined Leicester Tigers in January as injury cover for Matt Toomua and Manu Tuilagi, who are sidelined for the rest of the season.
The 30-year-old, who has 35 Test caps to his name, is a two-time European Cup winner with Toulon and scored a try for France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.
Mermoz has also won titles with Toulouse, Perpignan and Toulon in the Top 14 and Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards is delighted to have signed the veteran Frenchman.
"Maxime's signing is a major statement of intent for Newcastle Falcons," Richards said.
"We have been working hard over a long period of time to make this move happen and we are delighted that a player of such proven calibre is keen to play a key role in the ambitious plans we have for the club.
"The fact that he will spend the back half of this season with Leicester Tigers is ideal in the sense that he will already be accustomed to Premiership rugby by the time he arrives with us in the summer, and we are excited by what he will bring to the group.
"He is a very intelligent centre who runs great lines, he has fantastic handling ability and his understanding of the game is first class.
"It is no coincidence he has won major trophies with every club he has been at, and the fact we have been able to attract a player of his standing in the game says a lot about the regard in which the Falcons are held at the moment."
Mermoz marked his home debut at Welford Road with a try in Leicester's 34-9 victory against Gloucester last Saturday.
And he is looking forward to continuing his career in the Premiership at Kingston Park, where his former Toulon team-mate Jonny Wilkinson so famously made his name.
Speaking about his move, Mermoz said: "I am really happy to join the Falcons and I have been attracted by the ambitious plans of this historic club, which was the starting point of my former team-mate and legend Jonny Wilkinson.
"I expect to share my experience and bring my contribution to achieve the ambitious goals of the team. But I also come to learn and experience something new, and to enjoy my passion in an environment and culture deeply different from what I have known in France.
"This is a big challenge, but really exciting and motivating. I love it, I feel grateful and want to pay back the trust shown in me by Newcastle Falcons."