SAINTS ELECT STEVE THOMPSON AS CAPTAIN

Thompson, a product of the club's academy, local club Old Scouts and Northampton School for Boys, accepted the leading role and Krige volunteered to support him as vice-captain. The latter had already expressed his wish to relinquish the captaincy role and to concentrate fully on enjoying his game.

Head coach Budge Pountney said: "This is a great honour for Steve and I know he will lead the team in an exemplary manner. I am also delighted Corne has decided to support Steve, as his experience will be invaluable."
Meanwhile Northampton Saints and Adrian Kennedy agreed to part company on amicable terms earlier today.

Forwards coach Kennedy, who was brought to Franklin's Gardens by former head coach Alan Solomons, decided to stand down after being asked to stay, along with Solomons' other coaching assistant Frank Ponissi.

Kennedy said today: "On reflection I felt that was the right course of action given the recent departure of Alan Solomons, my coaching partner for the last eight years.

"I wanted to make it clear that I have no issues with the management or any of the players. I want to wish the club well for the future and hope to bump into them in a rugby sense in my next career move."