Saints trio on Garden's leave

Rhodri Davies, David Akinluyi and Simon Emms have all left Franklin's Gardens.

Northampton Saints have released three of their fringe players to enable them to pursue new clubs for next season.

David Akinluyi, Rhodri Davies and Simon Emms have all been released from their contracts, after head coach Paul Grayson deemed them to be surplus to requirements.

Despite still competing on two fronts in the Premiership and Heineken Cup, Grayson revealed the trio were unlikely to feature, so Saints have attempted to act in the best interests of the players involved.

"It was unlikely that these players would have played for the first team again this season and we felt it was fairer to be up front about that fact to give them a chance to seek out more active roles at other clubs," he explained.

"I would like to personally thank all three of them for the contribution they have made to Northampton Saints, both on and off the pitch."

Saints' chief executive Allan Robson said: "We are always sorry to see players leave but in the case of Simon especially, this will give him time to seek out a new club for next season or even for the end of this season.

"David and Rhodri are two talented players who have been hampered by injury and we just wish that this had not been the situation. We will however continue to rehabilitate these players if they require our support and wish them better luck for the future."