World Cup winning back Iain Balshaw has become the latest English star to move to France after signing for Top 14 side Biarritz from Guinness Premiership outfit Gloucester.
The 30-year-old (pictured), who came on as an extra-time replacement in England's 2003 World Cup final victory over Australia, signed a two-year contract with the French giants, who have had a poor season by their standards and likely to finish outside the top four.
Balshaw, capped 33 times, who effectively saw his international career come to an end when England manager Martin Johnson left him out of both the England and Saxons squads last November, had been in talks with runaway Second Division leaders Metro Racing.
But the injury-prone Balshaw was one of two signings by Biarritz as they also secured the signature of 24-year-old Clermont wing Fabien Alexandre, who also signed for two years.
Alexandre will be reunited with fellow 2006 World U20 championship winning team-mates Yann Fior and Arnaud Mignardi.
Biarritz had already signed Leicester Tigers English centre Ayoola Erinle and Romain Terrain from Castres.
Balshaw, who was twice selected for Lions tours, failing to play in any of the Tests in 2001 and then pulling out through injury in the 2005 edition, will join present England internationals James Haskell, Tom Palmer and Riki Flutey in leaving England for lucrative contracts in France.
Haskell and Palmer have signed for Stade Francais while Flutey has joined Brive.[/b]
