Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

Maxime Mermoz only made five Premiership appearances for Newcastle

France international Maxime Mermoz has left Newcastle Falcons to rejoin Stade Toulouse on a two-year contract.

Centre Mermoz, 31, was limited to just five Premiership appearances for the Falcons, with a balance issue keeping him out for four months of the season.

The ex-Perpignan, Toulon and Leicester player has returned to the club with whom he started his career.

"In a way, returning to Toulouse is a homecoming," Mermoz said. external-link "It remains a very ambitious club."

Mermoz is joined at the French club by fellow centre Theo Belan, who has moved from Lyon, while Falcons back-row forward Nick Civetta has joined Championship side Doncaster.