Paul Sackey ready for Toulon challenge after Wasps

Paul Sackey is relishing life after Wasps at Toulon

English winger Paul Sackey says his need for a "fresh start" made him leave Wasps for aspiring French side Toulon

The 30-year-old, who will link up with former international team-mates Jonny Wilkinson and Tom May, has signed a two-year deal with the Top 14 outfit.

"I wanted a real change, by signing for a club that offers me something different and has ambition," he said.

Sackey has revealed coach Philippe Saint-Andre was a big factor in his decision to move to the Stade Mayol.

"I've known him and respected him for a long time and it's clear that his presence influenced my decision," he added.

"He's a great coach and the current Toulon players confirmed what I'd always thought about him. He's already tried to sign me twice, when he was coaching Gloucester and Sale. So when he contacted me at the end of December, I didn't really hesitate."

After winning two Guinness Premiership titles as well as the Heineken Cup and Powergen Cup in five years with Wasps, Sackey is hungry for more success in new surroundings.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Sackey's move here

He said: "I experienced and won practically everything with Wasps and I needed a new challenge, to break the routine that had set in.

"I had been feeling and experiencing the same things for several seasons and I needed to leave to continue to have passion for rugby with the same intensity."

Sackey, who spoke to May among others before sealing his move to the south of France, added: "Above all, I took this decision to have a fresh start.

"I wanted to change my environment and lifestyle. I could have gone to Paris, but that was too similar to London.

"I wanted to experience a real change, by signing for a club that offers me something different and has a lot of ambition.

"Toulon want to become a great French club again and that desire is attractive. For that reason, I feel that Toulon is made for me."

Sackey is the latest England star to leave to move to France from Wasps, following in the footsteps of James Haskell, Tom Palmer and Riki Flutey.