Maxime Mermoz to exit Newcastle Falcons for Stade Toulouse

France centre Maxime Mermoz has announced his decision to exit Newcastle Falcons to make a return to Toulouse ahead of the upcoming season.

The 31-year-old's professional rugby career started with Toulouse in 2005 and enjoyed stints with USA Perpignan and Toulon between 2008 and 2017 before his switch to Leicester Tigers and later to Newcastle Falcons.

Mermoz has been part of three Top 14 winning teams in 2008 (Toulouse), 2009 (Perpignan) and Toulon (2014). He also enjoyed a three-time European title with Toulon.

Mermoz, who has played for France 35 times is delighted to return back to the club that kick-started his career.

"In a way, returning to Toulouse is a homecoming," Mermoz said. "It remains a very ambitious club."

Meanwhile, Mermoz is joined at Toulouse by centre Theo Belan, who had represented Toulon and Lyon previously.