Paddy Jackson, the former Ulster and Ireland fly-half whose contract was revoked by the Irish Rugby Football Union last year, is to join London Irish from Perpignan after agreeing a long-term deal with the Championship leaders.

A source close to the French club said that Jackson had opted not to take up a contract extension at the struggling Top 14 side, who are on course to be relegated, and has instead agreed a “significant deal” that should bring him to the Gallagher Premiership next season.

It is understood the 27-year-old will be one of several high-profile signings by London Irish ahead of their expected promotion to England’s top flight and move to a new stadium in Brentford next year.

Jackson is understood to have turned down offers from both Clermont Auvergne and Lyon to remain in France and will instead feature as one of the marquee players of the Exiles’ bold ambitions to cement their place back in the Premiership, particularly ahead of talk of ring-fencing England’s top flight.

His official signing is expected to be announced within the next month, most likely once their promotion to the Premiership is secured. Irish, nine points clear at the top of the Championship, are following Bristol’s wise precedent of recruiting high-profile signings ahead of their potential promotion.