Northampton Saints have confirmed that 12 players will be leaving Franklin's Gardens following the club's promotion to the Premiership.

The most high-profile departure is New Zealand scrum-half Mark Robinson.

First-team flankers Darren Fox and Paul Tupai, prop Chris Budgen and lock Christian Short are also on the move.

They are joined by Damien Browne, Simon Emms, Johnny Howard, Karl Rudzki and Ian Vass, plus senior academy members Barney Purbrook and David Smith.

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "Every player this season has played their part in the promotion back to the Premiership.

606: DEBATE We've signed some good quality players and cut out some of the dead weight gazz567

"I would like to thank each player who is leaving for their efforts and wish them the best for the future."

Northampton have already moved to sign Ben Foden and Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe from Sale Sharks and Ulster forward Neil Best.

But they look set to lose out in the race to sign South Africa's World Cup-winning second-row Victor Matfield.