Northampton Saints have announced that assistant coach Paul Grayson is leaving the Premiership club.
Grayson has been at Franklin's Gardens as a player and coach for 19 years.
The former fly-half moved to Northampton in 1993 and went on to become the club's all-time leading point scorer with 2,784 from 259 games.
By the time he retired from playing in 2005 he was a Heineken Cup winner, a member of England's World Cup winning squad and had toured with the successful 1997 British and Irish Lions.
As head coach Grayson took the Saints to the 2007 Heineken Cup semi-final, and as part of Jim Mallinder's staff he helped the club win the 2009 Amlin Challenge Cup, the 2010 LV= Cup and reach the 2011 Heineken Cup final as well as three successive Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-finals.
Grayson is leaving Franklin's Gardens by mutual consent, and with immediate effect.
"I have put heart and soul into the club over many years, as have my wife and children," he said.
"I enjoyed myself as a player here, and over the past few years it has been satisfying to have played a part in helping the Saints get back to the top of the club game.
"I am proud to have been a part of the history of one of the great clubs.
"I'd like to thank the Barwell family for everything they have done for me and my family over the years, as well as the Saints fans for all their support.
"After 19 years at Franklin's Gardens I need to prioritise my wife and children and make some sacrifices for them.
"As such I am happy to step away from my role with the club in good health and on the right path, and look forward to exploring the many opportunities that are out there in the world of rugby.
"I look forward to watching the Saints progress and wish Jim, Dorian, the players and staff every success."
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder thanked Grayson for his dedication to the club.
"Grase has been a big part of the Saints for many years and has played an important role in our development," he said.
"The records he set as a player will take something special to break, and as a coach he has helped bring on some very talented individuals.
"We will use this as an opportunity to freshen things up and move things forward.
"On behalf of the players and coaches I wish Grase and his family all the best for the future."
Comments
graham53 says...
So what's the real story to his departure!!!!!
Posted 21:15 21st November 2012