Northampton Saints have today confirmed that four first team stars will depart the Club this summer.
The experienced quartet have 23 seasons and over 400 appearances in Black, Green and Gold between them, but will move on to pastures new at the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign.
“All four players have made massive contributions to our environment and what we’ve achieved in recent seasons. They will be missed around our camp when they leave,” said incoming Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“Ace is a genius with the ball in his hands, but he’s also an incredible Saintsman and does a lot away from what you’ll see on the pitch. He’s constantly looking after and coaching the youngsters, trying to pass on knowledge, so he’s been a big part of our culture for several years now."
#1. Ahsee Tuala
While notching up over 100 caps for Saints, Tuala has played for Samoa 23 times to date, featuring at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
#2. Api Ratuniyarawa
The 35-year-old lock has also been a regular with the Flying Fijians during his time at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, earning 36 caps for his country so far and featuring at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
#3. Piers Francis
He was rewarded for his fine form with a call-up to England’s squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, featuring in four warm-up games and starting against the USA in Japan as England reached the final of the competition.
Injuries have disrupted the 31-year-old’s progress during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, but Francis did notch up his 50th Saints appearance against London Irish in January 2020.
#4. Taqele Naiyaravoro
The bulldozing 30-year-old wing brought up a half-century of Saints appearances in 2019/20, before adding a further six tries and 14 appearances to his tally in 2020/21 – although Naiyaravoro has been restricted to just one appearance this season so far, as he recovered from a knee injury sustained in preseason.
