London Wasps centre Dominic Waldouck is to join Northampton Saints ahead of the new season after handing in an official transfer request to the Adams Park club.
The 24-year-old has been at Wasps since emerging from their academy but following the club's narrow escape from relegation the player has decided that he needs to be competing nearer the top of the Premiership.
The club has claimed that there was no persuading Waldouck to stay, so they agreed to his request. Director of rugby Dai Young said: "We are really disappointed to lose Dom, who we were hoping to play an important role in our squad next season.
"However, despite our attempts to talk him round, he has been adamant that he needs a fresh start and it wouldn't do any of us any good to keep him here against his will.
"Dom's ultimate aim is to get back in the England reckoning and he feels he needs to be playing for a side competing at the top of the Aviva Premiership and in the Heineken Cup to do so."
Waldouck won the Heineken Cup with Wasps in 2007 and the Premiership in 2008.
Matt Domm
