The 28-year-old has signed a two-year-deal to move from the Ospreys from whom he had requested an early release from his contract.

Phillips, who played five times during the 2011 RBS 6 Nations, joins a growing list of Welsh stars moving to France, including former Ospreys teammates James Hook and Lee Byrne.

But Phillips’ stock had fallen considerably since an impressive tour with the British & Irish Lions in 2009 to the extent that he had become second choice at the Liberty stadium behind youngster Rhys Webb.

Bayonne’s director of rugby, Christian Gajan though is adamant they have bagged one of the world’s finest No.9s.

He said: “Mike has all of the skills required of a scrum-half and will be a big success at Bayonne. He brings a lot of experience playing at a high level and has a good balance between his physicality and skills.

“He can pass, protect the ball when needed and also take it to the line. He can be a great leader for us.

“It’s tough to say someone is the best in the world but Mike is easily in the top three and the important thing for us is he is still young, he is not at the end of his career.”

Phillips will join up with his new team-mates, including French winger Cedric Heymans, ex All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Neemia Tialata and Australian lock Mark Chisholm, after the World Cup.