Courtney Lawes: The former England flanker is leaving Northampton at the end of the season to join Brive

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Courtney Lawes has been at Northampton throughout his career and made his debut for the club in 2007 against Esher in National League One – now the Championship

Former England flanker Courtney Lawes will leave Northampton Saints at the end of the season to join Top 14 club Brive.

The 35-year-old has made 274 appearances at Franklin's Gardens over 17 seasons.

Lawes said Northampton had done “everything they could” to persuade him to stay but Brive’s offer had been “transformational” for him and his family.

Phil Dowson, Saints' director of rugby, said it was “impossible” to summarize Lawes' contribution to the club.

“I want to make it clear that I would have really liked to have ended my career as a one-club man and Saints have done absolutely everything to make that happen – our discussions have all been very positive,” Lawes said.

“But first and foremost, I need to ensure that my family and I are in the best possible position for my retirement, which will take place in the next few years.”

“This will probably be the last contract I will ever sign and the offer I received to play abroad will mean a change for my family, so there was no way I could refuse it and I made the decision , to move away.” Northampton.

Lawes said he was “so grateful” for everything the Saints had given him and said the supporters had been “incredible”.

“I've been through everything with the Saints and I just hope my efforts on the pitch reflect my appreciation for the club,” he said.

“It's obviously incredibly sad for me to leave, but ultimately I know I'm leaving Saints in really good hands on and off the pitch with the players, coaches and staff we have in place.”

Lawes “still one of the very best”

Lawes helped the Saints regain promotion from National One to the Premiership in his debut season in 2007, winning the European Challenge Cup in 2009, the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2010 and the European Champions Cup a year later.

He was also a Premiership title winner in 2014 – the same year the Saints won the Challenge Cup again.

“He’s still one of the very best – if not the best – number six in the world,” Dowson said.

“He has done it all in the Northampton jersey, his international experience is almost unparalleled and off the field he gives our group so much confidence and leadership.”

“I am convinced he would have been happy to stay here at Saints to finish his career, but sometimes the offer is just too good to refuse and he has absolutely earned the right to accept it. He has a young family, and I'm sure of that.” The new adventure will be a great experience for them too.

“It speaks volumes about Courtney's talent and attitude that he didn't feel like he had given his best in a Saints jersey last season due to injuries, so he decided to stay for another year and see out his time at Northampton finish.” own terms.