CONFIRMED: Picamoles leaves Northampton

Northampton Saints have announced that Louis Picamoles will be leaving the club to rejoin Montpellier.
The France No.8 only moved to Franklin’s Gardens last summer on a three-year deal but he has agreed to rejoin his first professional club as the French Federation now wants its internationals to be playing in the Top 14.
Given the 31-year-old’s contractual obligations to Saints, the East Midlands club has revealed they have received a significant transfer fee, rumoured to be around £900,000, to agree to his release.
In a statement, the club said: “This fee will be reinvested into the playing squad to ensure Northampton Saints continues to strive for success on the pitch. To achieve this, the Saints is looking to further strengthen the squad with new signings in addition to the world class talent already confirmed for 2017/18.
It continued: “The Saints’ management would like to thank Louis for his contribution to this season and wish him all the best for the future.”
Picamoles said: “I am proud to have played for Northampton Saints and I have enjoyed my time with the club.
“I am grateful for all the support and friendship I have received from the club, the coaches, my team mates and supporters.”