Serge Betsen, the former France flanker, is to join London Wasps after 17 years with Biarritz.

Betsen has confirmed he has signed a two-year deal with the Guinness Premiership club, admitting there were a number of reasons behind his decision to leave France.

"I have been at Biarritz for 17 years," he said. "I have experienced a lot of happiness there. I became a rugby player of the highest level, a father and the head of a business. Three years ago, I chose to extend my deal with sporting aims that have more or less been carried out, but I already had this desire to leave and discover other things.

"The Anglo-Saxon culture fascinates me. It would have perhaps been easier to sign for Toulon or someone else in France, but I wanted to take a risk and discover something different - another language, another style of rugby.

"I have signed for two years with Wasps. Their past speaks for itself. And then, away from the sporting side of things, there is the desire to develop my business (he owns a spa in Biarritz). Finally, it is an extraordinary opportunity for my family."

Betsen, who was born in Kumba in Cameroon, retired from the international scene after last year's World Cup. He won 63 caps for France, captaining the side twice, and earned a reputation as a player with a fearsome tackle and a relentless work-rate. He will link up with Raphael Ibanez, his former France colleague, when he moves to Wasps.