Castres have swooped for Worcester's former France international centre Thomas Lombard, according to reports.

F rench sports daily L'Equipe report that the 30-year-old will return home to play for Castres next season after spending two years with Worcester Warriors, who have confirmed his summer exit.

Before joining Worcester, Lombard played for Stade Francais where he won the French Top 16 title in 2003 and 2004. He has won 12 caps but has not played an international since 2001 and is unlikely to be in the frame for the 2007 World Cup.

Lombard made more than 50 appearances at Worcester and says: "It is probably the hardest decision that I've had to make during my rugby career.

"Sixways is a place that I have made my home, it's hard to leave somewhere where you enjoy the rugby and are given the opportunity to express yourself, but my family is my main priority and I have to put them first. One thing for sure is that I won't forget the trust and faith that the coaches have put in me during my time here at Worcester."