England centre confirms his departure to France to join Top 14 club

Harlequins centre and England international Joe Marchant has been confirmed as a signing for Stade Francais and will join the Top 14 club next season.

After ten years with Harlequins, the 13-Test international will depart the club he has been with since joining their academy in 2014.

Marchant has fallen down the pecking order for playing time with England and will join Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jack Willis and Sam Simmonds as the latest England players to link with the Top 14.

The 26-year-old started against Australia in the first test of the July tour but was overlooked for the remaining two Tests.

The move will put Marchant's international career on hold as he will be ineligible for selection playing offshore in France.

The Parisian club adds Marchant to their stable of outside backs that includes former Wasps winger Paolo Odogwu and former Wallaby Sefa Naivalu.

Marchant said: “I am very proud and grateful to have been part of Harlequins for the last 10 years. I’ve made some amazing memories on and off the field and made great friends along the way. This club has been a home to me and will always have a place in my heart.

“The time has come for me to depart the Club and I am excited for my next challenge ahead. I will make the most of every moment for the rest of this season proudly wearing my Quins shirt.

“Thank you for all the support!”