18 May 2005
Northampton Saints regret to announce that they have pulled out of a two-year deal with versatile back Robbie Kydd.

The former Otago Highlander had signed to Saints from fellow Zurich Premiership club Saracens but the deal has been called off following a knee injury to Kydd that could see him out of action for 12 months.

Kydd suffered the injury, which damaged three parts of his knee, during a training session in March and has since had corrective surgery.

Head coach Budge Pountney said: “We feel desperately sorry for Robbie and we are sincerely disappointed that he will not be joining us next season. We wish him all the best with his recovery and look forward to seeing him in action soon.”

Saints have also announced the players that will leave the club’s service from tomorrow. The list of 16 includes James Ross-Ryan and Johan van Wyk, who both suffered serious injuries during the 2004/05 season. Van Wyk will remain with the club, however, as part of the physiotherapy team. Robbie Kempson also left earlier in the season as well as Rob Hunter, who is now the club’s Academy coach. Paul Grayson will also obviously remain with the club as part of the coaching team.

Outgoing Saintsmen: Andrew Blowers, Alex Codling, Shane Drahm, Billy Fulton, Paul Grayson, Wylie Human, Rob Hunter, Chris Hyndman, Robbie Kempson, Corne Krige, Robbie Morris, Ed O’Donoghue, James Ross-Ryan, Tom Tombleson, Mark Tucker and Johan van Wyk.