Jack Nowell's French switch has finally been confirmed

England winger Jack Nowell has completed a move to European champions La Rochelle, the French side have announced.

The 30-year-old, capped 46 times for his country, is to head across the English Channel after 12 years with Exeter Chiefs.

A statement on La Rochelle’s official website said: “The club is pleased to announce the arrival of the England international of 46 caps from the Exeter Chiefs, where he truly marked the history of the club.

“Jack will therefore discover a new championship, at 30 years old.

“A tricky winger, known and recognised throughout the world for his rugby qualities, Jack Nowell comes straight from the Exeter Chiefs, where he had been playing for more than 10 years.

“Quite simply, the Englishman, developed by his favourite club and captain for several seasons, chose a new adventure in another club, another country, another culture.”

Nowell, who also has two Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions to his name but has made himself unavailable for the World Cup in France, announced he was leaving Exeter at the end of last season and has been heavily linked with a switch to the Champions Cup holders since.

He played more than 170 times for the Chiefs and won two Premiership titles and the Champions Cup during his time with the club.