Pountney to step down at Saints

Pountney has been a Northampton stalwart for 15 years

Northampton director of rugby Budge Pountney has informed the club he will be relinquishing his post at the end of the current season.

The former Scotland captain has served Saints as a player and coach for 15 years but wants to move back to Hampshire for the sake of his family.

"I'd love to retain some kind of link to repay the club for the time and effort it has put into me," he said.

Chairman Keith Barwell said: "Budge never took a backward step for Saints."

Pountney, who was forced to retire from playing because of a neck injury, said he had timed his decision to give the board time to find a replacement.

"Until that time, I remain dedicated to my job and will continue the club's retention and recruitment programme," he said.