Dawson ends Saints career

Matt Dawson today ended his 12-year stay at Northampton to seek a contract with another Zurich Premiership club - with Wasps favourites to land him.

The 31-year-old England scrum-half has reached an agreement with Northampton chairman Keith Barwell to end his deal at Franklin’s Gardens one year early which enables him to sign a new contract with another club.

Dawson, a key part of England’s World Cup success last year, made his debut for Northampton in the 1991-92 season and scored 693 points for the Saints, including 66 tries, 79 penalties, 64 conversions and a drop goal.

“As a club, we are very proud of what Matthew has achieved at international level, but we have missed his presence during those absences with England,” Barwell told the club’s website, www.northamptonsaints.co.uk.

“I have spoken to Matthew at length about his future and we both felt that his rugby career now lies elsewhere since moving to London to live full-time.”

Dawson has been linked with a move to Wasps but, despite mounting speculation, nothing has yet been announced.

According to the Wasps official website, www.wasps.co.uk, a statement regarding a potential move will be issued “within the next 48 hours”.