#5. Lewis Ludlam
Ludlam, the 28-year-old captain of Premiership pace-setters Northampton Saints, is set to depart at the conclusion of the season.
Having garnered attention from French club Toulon, particularly following his contributions to England’s third-place finish in the World Cup, Ludlam’s move to the prominent French side has now been officially ratified.
Despite his significant role in Northampton, where he has amassed 121 senior appearances, Ludlam opted against extending his stay beyond the summer, declining the offer of a new contract.
“I know he has been torn,” said Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson.
“He has made a difficult decision and we have to accept and respect that – but it doesn’t make it any less disappointing to see him move on, after we offered a new contract and tried to keep him at Saints.”
