England boss Steve Borthwick is set to lose two more stars after they quit the Gallagher Premiership for moves overseas.
Lewis Ludlam, who is joining Toulon, departs Northampton after eight seasons in Saints’ senior squad, in which he has notched up 121 appearances and 80 points for the men in Black, Green and Gold.
Ludlam is a product of Northampton’s Academy set-up, making his debut in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2016 against Newcastle Falcons, but the Club captain will head for pastures new in June at the end of his current contract with Saints.
The three-time European champions are also on the verge of securing another signing after acquiring Ludlam, as they finalise a deal for Kyle Sinckler, the prop from Bristol Bears and the Lions.
Sinckler, who is also set to be out of contract this summer, adds to the challenges for England boss Steve Borthwick.
According to reports from rugby transfer guru Neil Fissler via Rugby Pass, Danny Care is also subject of serious interest from Bayonne.
Ludlam told the Northampton website: “Ever since I started playing rugby as an eight-year-old, I dreamt of being a Saint,”
“While the journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing, our supporters have made every moment special for me – both the good and the bad.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have played with some great players and even better blokes, to have been coached day in, day out by some of the best coaches in the game, and looked after physically by people who truly care in the Strength and Conditioning and Medical departments.
“This has been an extremely tough decision for me. I believe I’ve given everything physically and emotionally to this Club – and will continue to do so – and I hope our fans have seen how much it has meant to me to represent Northampton in the way I play the game.”
Scratchcard Quiz:
Who could replace Steve Borthwick at Twickenham?
5. Sir Clive Woodward – 20/1
Woodward is the World Cup winning Head Coach who led England’s rugby players to World Cup glory in Australia in 2003.
A former England International and British & Irish Lion himself, prior to his full time coaching career Clive established a successful business career working for nine years with Xerox in the UK and Australia before establishing his own small finance and leasing company.
During Clive’s tenure as Head Coach England moved from 6th in the world to being the number one ranked team, winning every trophy an England team can win.