Noon quits Saints for Biarritz

Northampton prop Colin Noon has joined French champions and Heineken cup semi-finalists Biarritz.

Northampton's Colin Noon has joined French champions and Heineken cup semi-finalists Biarritz.

Noon had found first team appearances hard to come by at Franklin's Gardens, playing just seven games this season.

The prop received a six-month suspension for stamping and has been troubled with a calf injury this term.

Director of rugby Budge Poutney said: "We wish Colin all the best in Biarritz and hope that he gets some good game time out in France."

Meanwhile, Italian club Viadana have been handed two misconduct charges for forfeiting their European Challenge Cup match against the Saints.

The original pool match was postponed on January 20 due to fog and frozen pitch.

The following day, when it was called off again, the Italian side refused to travel to an alternative venue.

Northampton were awarded the points by European Rugby Cup directors and Viadana face two complaints of failing to take substantial action to prepare their pitch and failing to fulfil a fixture.