Hines, who won his 31st cap for his country in last weekend's Calcutta Cup match, has played 90 games for Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Rugby head coach Frank Hadden said: ''We are saddened to lose Nathan's services. He has been influential in the development of Edinburgh's game over the last four years especially and we hope some of our young players will step into his shoes as quickly as possible.

Hines said: ''I'm sad to leave because I have been in Scotland for seven years - which is six-and-a-half years longer than I was intending to stay. The reason for that? I like the country and I like the people.

''I have had a really good time since I've been here and I've enjoyed the opportunities that have come my way. My move to Perpignan is another one of those golden opportunities that I cannot pass up.

He added: ''I want to thank the Edinburgh supporters and the people of Scotland for treating me as if I was brought up here because that's made a big difference to me and my wife Leann.