Flood Tells His Side of the Story

For the first time Toby Flood has spoken-out about his decision to move from Leicester at the end of the season to France.

The Tigers and former England fly-half has admitted that he agonised over a move to France, knowing all-to-well that it could spell the end of his England career.

The fly-half revealed he had "sleepless nights" before opting to move to the French Top 14 for next season, with Toulouse his expected destination.

Flood will relinquish the Leicester club captaincy, and forego the chance to add to his 60-cap haul, with England not selecting overseas-based stars.

Young Bath playmaker George Ford was selected for Stuart Lancaster’s Six Nations squad a few weeks ago ahead of Flood.

"It was a very tough decision and I weighed up many factors which gave me sleepless nights," the 28-year-old told the Leicester Mercury.

"It was never an easy decision as it would mean leaving a place like this. I know what success means to the boys and I know what it means to be around them.

"First and foremost, this is a good bunch of boys and that was the biggest factor.

"But other bits and pieces came into it, like the England situation and where I wanted to be and what opportunities I may have.

"It came down to what felt right for me over the next three or four years.

"It was a hugely close call but there were three or four factors that made me think this was my last shot at it, if I wanted to go (abroad)."