Julien Bardy will leave Clermont Auvergne to join Top 14 rival Montpellier at the end of the season after agreeing a three-year deal.

Montpellier on Friday (AEDT) confirmed that the flanker will leave the league leaders to make the move to Altrad Stadium on a contract that will run until 2020.

Bardy, recovering from a shoulder operation, joined Clermont in 2009 and is relishing the prospect of starting a new challenge next year.

"I am honoured and very happy to join the MHR next season, Montpellier is one of the top clubs in the Top 14," he said. "I will do everything possible to bring the maximum to the team."

The 30 year-old was injured in the first half of a 49-33 victory over Bordeaux-Begles in October and Clermont revealed this month that he is expected to be out for up to four months.