Courtney Lawes will leave Northampton after 17 years in second division Breve

Laws has spent his entire career at Northampton to date. Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers

Courtney Laws has confirmed his departure from Northampton Saints will join Brive at the end of the season, saying he will leave the club with a heavy heart when his 17-year spell comes to an end.

Laws has since made 274 appearances for the club. academy and made his debut back in 2007, becoming one of the greatest players in the club's history.

Brive, who is believed to have made a major offer to Lowes, is backed by English businessman Ian Osborne and currently sit mid-table in the second «I want to make it clear that I would really like to retire as a one-club player and Saints have done absolutely everything they can to make that happen — all our conversations have been very positive.» Laws said of his departure. “But first and foremost, I need to make sure that my family and I are in the best possible position for retirement, which will happen in the next couple of years.”

“It probably will.” the last contract I will ever sign and the offer I received to play overseas would be crucial for my family so I couldn't refuse it and made the decision to leave Northampton.

“I'm so grateful for everything the Saints have given me. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to play for my hometown for so long, and the fans have been amazing throughout it all — in both the good times and the bad.

“I've been through it. all with the Saints and I just hope my efforts on the field reflected my appreciation for the Club. Of course I'm incredibly sad to leave, but ultimately I know I'm leaving the Saints in great hands on and off the field with the players, coaches and staff we have.»