Two more departures bring to 17 the number leaving Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have confirmed that Jamie Elliott and Michael Paterson will both leave the Club at the end of the season.

This brings to 17 the number of players that are leaving the club by the end of what has been a problematic season for the club.

Big names leaving the club include George North, Stephen Myler, Rob Horne, Ben Foden, Kieron Brookes, Campese Ma’afu, Christain Day, Nic Groom, Tom Stephenson amd Ben Nutley among others.

The season has also seen the exit of Jim Mallinder, Dorian West and Paul Diggin.

The mass clearout comes as the clear the decks for the arrival of Chris Boyd, who will bring with him a number of high profile signings from Super Rugby. The club have already confirmed Taqele Naiyaravoro, Will Davis, Ben Franks and Dom Barrow for the 2018/19 campaign.

Five young Saints are set to join the Club’s Senior Academy set-up ahead of the new season.

Forwards Samson Ma’asi, Alex Coles and Joe Wallace have all put pen to paper on their first full-time contracts after impressing as a part of Saints’ Junior Academy.

Continue reading below…

In eight seasons at Franklin’s Gardens, Bedford-born Elliott racked up 115 appearances in total after making his Saints debut as an 18-year-old.

Elliott – a Saints Academy product – announced himself in style on his first Aviva Premiership start with a try away at Sale Sharks, making himself a regular on the wing for Northampton over the next few seasons.

The 25-year-old scored 34 tries for the Club in total and helped Saints to a sensational Premiership and European Challenge Cup double in 2014, but injuries have restricted his playing opportunities since midway through last season.

Paterson meanwhile joined Saints for the start of the 2015/16 campaign from Sale, with the Kiwi-born lock bringing a raft of experience to Northampton’s second row.

He notched up a half-century of appearances in Black, Green and Gold earlier this season against Ospreys, and ends his time at Franklin’s Gardens with 60 appearances to his name.