France fullback Scott Spedding will join Top 14 leaders Clermont at the end of the season on a three-year deal.

The 28-year-old former Sharks fullback has been playing in France since 2008, spending four years at Brive before joining Bayonne in 2012. He has enjoyed an impressive run at the struggling Top 14 outfit, culminating in his Test debut for France in November.

Spedding will finish the season with Bayonne as they attempt to avoid relegation, before joining Clermont over the French summer.

'We've been following Scott and been in contact with him for a number of seasons,' said Clermont sporting director Jean-Marc Lhermet. 'We're very pleased to have a player of his quality and consistency joining the club.'

He will replace fellow French international Jean-Marcellin Buttin, who is heading to Bordeaux at the end of the season.

Spedding took to Twitter following the news, where he thanked the Bayonne fans for their support during his time at the Stade Jean-Dauger.

'Your support has always been huge for me and I'm very attached to the club,' said Spedding. 'That's why I'm writing this message, to personally explain that I will continue my career elsewhere next season. I'm going for a different sporting challenge.

'I know the season is long and we have a lot of work to do to stay up. It's my only goal for the moment and I ask for your support until the end, please. Thank you and see you Saturday at Jean-Dauger.'

Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images