Steffon Armitage ends England speculation by signing for French club Pau

Steffon Armitage has put an end to all the speculations regarding his England return by signing a three-year deal with French based club Pau.

The 30-year-old, who played five Tests for England in 2009-10 decided to move to France in 2011 where he joined Toulon which deemed him ineligible to represent the red rose team due to Rugby Football Union's policy to overlook overseas-based players.

Earlier it was reported that Armitage was keen to make an England return and the Aviva Premiership club Wasps were the favourites to sign him, but the openside flanker has extended his stay in France after joining Pau.

"Steffon Armitage has officially signed for three years," Pau said on Twitter.

Known for his speed and effectiveness in ruck turnovers, Armitage played a pivotal role for Toulon during their hat-trick of European title victories between 2013 and 2015 and on several occasions attempted a move back to the Premiership rugby to relaunch his England career.

However, England coach Eddie Jones had decided against fast-tracking Armitage to the national team and insisted him to play domestic rugby to be considered for selection.