Greig Laidlaw to leave Gloucester and join Clermont Auvergne

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw is to leave Gloucester at the end of the season to join Clermont Auvergne.

Laidlaw, who has won 51 Scotland caps, has agreed a three-year contract with French giants Clermont.

"At this stage of my career, the offer to test myself and develop my game even further in a different environment was just too good to turn down," he said.

"It's not been an easy decision to make, but I think it's the right one.

"There's so much I'll miss about Gloucester as a club and a place. However, there are still plenty of games left this season and a lot to play for, and I can guarantee that I will be giving 100 per cent commitment to the Gloucester cause to help us achieve as much as possible in my remaining time here."

Director of Rugby David Humphreys said: "Since all the changes at Gloucester ahead of the 2014-15 season, his consistent performances at both club and international level, particularly his goal-kicking, have caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

"While we are sorry to see him go, the offer Greig received from France was too good to turn down and, at the end of the season, we will wish him all the best for the rest of his career.

"For now, however, Greig will want to play a key role in helping us to turn our Aviva Premiership season around and help Gloucester finish the year on a high."

You can watch England's tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price!