Browne leads the Saints exodus
Thu, 01 May 2008 12:23
With no word yet from World Cup-winning South African lock Victor Matfield, whether he will move to Franklin's Gardens next season, the Northampton Saints confirmed the list of players who have left the club at the end of the 2007/08 season.
Top of that list is Irish giant Damien Browne, who turned down a new contract at the Saints. The big second row forward has had a season disrupted by injury, but was still Part of Director of rugby Jim Mallinder's plans for next season's return to the Premiership.
However, after four years at the Gardens, the it was confirmed that Browne has decided to move on - with reports linking him to a move to France.
Browne, who has played for Ireland Under-21 and Under-19, was brought to Saints from Irish Magners League side Connacht for the start of the 2004/05 season by Alan Solomons.
The list of departing players, released by Saints on Thursday, include Damien Browne, Chris Budgen, Simon Emms, Darren Fox, Johnny Howard, Mark Robinson, Karl Rudzki, Christian Short, Paul Tupai and Ian Vass.
Barney Purbrook and David Smith have also left the Senior Academy.
"Every player this season has played their part in the promotion back to the Guinness Premiership," said Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder.
"Competition for places has been fierce and standards have been maintained throughout the season. I'd like to thank each player who is leaving for their efforts and wish them the best for the future."
However, the one big name that will be arriving at Franklin's Gardens for next season is Ben Foden, who has been the subject of a tug of war since it was announced he had signed for Saints for next season's return to the Premiership.
Foden insists he is joining Saints despite Sale's efforts to keep him at Sharks.
The England Saxons and Sevens back, whose name was chanted by fans during Sharks's thrashing of Newcastle last month, says he is committed to Franklin's Gardens.
"As a professional player it is always nice to hear your name chanted in the crowd," he told the Northampton Chronicle.
"It is quite novel to have two teams fighting over you. I signed the contract with Northampton a while ago now.
"I've hit a bit of form at full-back for Sale. Sale, at the time of the contract negotiations, showed they wanted to keep me as a player but I had an interest in playing in other positions.
"I've got to keep to the contract and stick by my decision, and hopefully it will be the right one."
Foden signed for Saints in February, but has since been put under pressure to stay at Edgeley Park.
"There is always a bit of doubt in anyone's mind but as a professional player I need to go to Northampton with a clear head and make sure I'm focused on what I'm going to go and do there," he added.
