Forwards coach Dorian West to exit Northampton Saints at end of season

Northampton Saints have confirmed forwards coach Dorian West will leave the Aviva Premiership club on mutual consent at the end of the ongoing season.

West joined Northampton in 2007 along with former director of rugby Jim Mallinder and helped the club clinch their maiden Premiership title in 2014. Also during this phase, the Saints gained promotion to Aviva Premiership, won the European Rugby Challenge Cup twice along with a victory in Anglo-Welsh Cup as well.

The former Leicester Tigers hooker remained a part of the backroom staff despite Mallinder was sacked in December. However, now he wants to look for new opportunities.

"I have gradually come to the decision that it's time for a new challenge away from Franklin's Gardens," West said.

"I've created some fantastic memories at Franklin's Gardens, and I want to thank Jim Mallinder and all the staff for their support and friendship in my time here."

Northampton chief executive Mark Darbon thanked West for his services and is confident of him helping the club to a good finish in this season as they languish at 10th in the Premiership.

"Dorian is a superb professional and is now firmly focused on helping the squad to finish the current season as strongly as possible."