NEWCASTLE FALCONS have confirmed Tom May will leave the club to play in France next season.

The 30-year-old was one of several Falcons stars linked with playing abroad, and admitted the move was too good an opportunity to pass up at this time.

“I was never going to get an opportunity like this again, to go and experience something new.” said May, who is yet to reveal which club he will play for.

“My decision is in no way a reflection on the club’s ambition or commitment.”

May, who has notched 500 points in 264 appearances for Falcons, has played in a number of positions from fly-half in the absence of Jonny Wilkinson, to centre alongside England star Jamie Noon, and for much of his spell out on the wing.

“I have loved every single minute of my time at Newcastle, and the Falcons supporters will always have a special place in my heart,”

said May.

“This opportunity has arisen quite unexpectedly over the past few months, and I would like to stress that my decision to leave Newcastle in no way reflects the esteem in which I hold the club, the players or the management.”

Insisting that the Falcons’ plans for 2009/10 and beyond remain firmly on track, director of rugby, Steve Bates said: “My first full season in charge of the club has given us the ideal opportunity to take stock, ahead of what is a crucial rebuilding stage.

“The first part of that was for our young, talented players to commit to new contracts, which has happened over the past few months.

“The next phase is our recruitment to the playing squad, which has already got underway with the arrival of James Hudson from London Irish and the Tongan international, Josh Afu.

“Plans are in place to add to that with further international quality signings, and we are actively engaged with several further players with a view to joining the club.

“We are using our scouting networks in England, Europe and beyond more comprehensively than ever, as we recruit the calibre of player capable of taking this club to the next level.

“Such a major change is not possible in just one season, but we are confident that with the progress we are making on the recruitment front we can lay very solid foundations for the future.”

■ Falcons confirmed yesterday they have signed Tonga flanker Josh Afu on a twoyear deal. Afu played Super 14 rugby with Queensland Reds before choosing to play international rugby for the country of his birth.