Newman to leave Saints

Newman, a former Saint who played 125 times for the first team, joined the club in 2000 and was team manager for nine years.

"I've enjoyed my time at Franklin's Gardens and I am very proud of my achievements and the people I have worked alongside."

"However, as a player I knew when the time was right to move on and I now have that same feeling that it is time to move on again to some fresh challenges. Although there have been plenty of ups and downs over the years with our results I have enjoyed every minute. It has also been rewarding to be a part of the recent success.

"I leave the club with some amazing memories in my 21-year involvement and I wish everyone at the club my best wishes for the future. I'm intending on taking a couple of months off and am now looking forward to the future. Saints has always been my club and I'll certainly be back to watch the team from the stands alongside our fabulous supporters." explained Newman.

In the Heineken Cup Northampton Saints will play in Pool 1 alongside of Benetton Treviso, the double Heineken Cup winners Munster and the Top 14 Orange champions Perpignan.