Andrew Sheridan will become the latest Lion to play in France after signing for Top 14 big-spenders Toulon.
Former tourists Jonny Wilkinson, Simon Shaw, James Hook, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne all already ply their trade in France.
And Sheridan, who toured with the Lions in 2005 and 2009, will join former England team-mate Wilkinson at Stade Felix Mayol after penning a three-year deal to join Toulon.
Sheridan has not featured for Sale Sharks since returning from the World Cup with a shoulder injury.
But following nine years at Edgeley Park, director of sport Steve Diamond admits it will be sad to bid 'Au Revoir' to the giant prop.
"Sheri's going to move to Toulon this summer," Diamond told the Manchester Evening News
"He's been a loyal member of the club but he feels that he's best suited for the next two or three years to try his hand by playing over in France.
"His words to me when he told me were that he was glad he's been here while I've been here.
"Obviously, I will be sad to see him go because he's been here at the club for such a long time but, equally, I guess you then have to look at the pros and the cons.
"You have to consider what he brings to the club. You also have to look at his England status, his injury status, so there's a lot to take into account."
Sheridan began his career at Richmond before enjoying a four-year spell at Bristol. Following their relegation from the Premiership he moved north to join the Sharks where he has played more than 100 games and established himself as an England regular.
The move overseas is likely to spell the end of Sheridan's international career with the Rugby Football Union set to implement a strict policy of only selecting home-based.
Fellow England international Steffon Armitage also plays for the star-studded Cote d'Azur club while his brother Delon and London Irish second-row have also been linked to moves.
But Sheridan's decision to join Toulon is likely to end their interest in fellow Lions loose-head prop Gethin Jenkins, who has also been linked to the Top14 giants.
