Northampton Saints have confirmed that lock Alex Moon will leave the Club at the end of the 2023/24 season to join French side, Bayonne.
The 27-year-old has made 115 appearances so far in Black, Green and Gold, scoring three tries for Saints along the way, since making his debut back in 2016 to become Saint #1973.
A product of Northampton’s Academy system, Moon will move to the Top14 side this summer, and admits that while he is realising a career ambition by accepting an offer to play overseas, he is desperate to sign off on a high and end his time at Saints by winning a trophy.
“I’ve been involved with the Club since I was 14 in the Junior Academy, playing in the Academy League at Under-18 level, and getting my first professional contract as an 18-year-old,” he said.
“Almost half my life has been spent here, so of course the Club means a great deal to me. But I’d always planned to spend some of my career playing abroad after loving my time in Australia a few years back with Randwick, and this opportunity at Bayonne was a fantastic one to move to a different part of the world.
“Some external factors, such as England selection, probably played their part as well. It just feels like now is the right time for me to try my hand playing in a different league, and I’m looking forward to testing myself in the Top14.
“Drop Genge, Steward” – Brian Moore picks his England XV for 2024 Six Nations opener
In a bold move reminiscent of his illustrious playing days, iconic hooker Brian Moore has unveiled his handpicked England XV for Steve Borthwick’s squad in the upcoming 2024 Six Nations opener against Italy.
BACK-THREE:
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: “George Furbank would probably edge this pick strictly on club form and this game would be ideal to see if the Northampton Saints full-back can make the decisive step into a starting role after his first series of England starts were inconclusive.”
“I would go straight for Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. It would be his first cap, but opening against Italy is the least pressured of Six Nations debuts and, cynically, it would secure his allegiance for the forthcoming years.
“You can never choose a completely risk-free debut, but you will never have an understanding of any player’s potential unless you give them a chance.”
CENTRES:
13. Henry Slade
12. Fraser Dingwall
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: |As Oscar Beard is also out through injury that leaves Fraser Dingwall, replacement call-up Max Ojomah or Daly. If Borthwick goes for the latter, it is the safe option but, given this is Italy, he should give Dingwall a start and just see where it goes.”
