DEAN RICHARDS has expressed his disappointment at Kieran Brookes’ decision to leave Newcastle Falcons in order to join Aviva Premiership leaders Northampton Saints.

Brookes will move to Northampton at the end of the season, robbing Falcons of their only established England international at a time when the club are looking to push towards the upper reaches of the top-flight.

Falcons officials have been speaking to Brookes and his representatives for the last ten months, but have been unable to persuade the 24-year-old prop to sign a new deal at Kingston Park.

After rejoining Newcastle following an unsuccessful spell at Leicester Tigers in 2013, Brookes has developed into one of the most highly-rated young front rowers in the country.

He made his senior England debut during last summer’s tour of New Zealand, and boasts six full international caps after featuring as a replacement in all four of the autumn internationals.

He is likely to play a prominent role in the forthcoming Six Nations, and should be part of Stuart Lancaster’s squad for this autumn’s World Cup.

“We’re obviously disappointed to see Kieran head to Northampton, as we would have liked him to stay here, at the club that has helped him to develop into the full England international that he is today,” said Richards.

“Attempts were made to retain Kieran over a ten-month period, but during the course of the negotiations it became clear that he and his agent were looking to move.”

Brookes will remain with Falcons for the remainder of the current campaign, although his appearances are likely to be limited given his international commitments over the next couple of months.

“I’m looking forward to joining Northampton Saints next season,” he said. “Their record over the last few seasons speaks for itself, and I am under no illusions of the quality of squad I'm going into.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Newcastle, and in particular working with John Wells and Micky Ward, both of whom have helped me massively, and in the meantime all my efforts will be concentrated on helping us finish as high up the league as we can.”

Brookes will face a considerable battle for places at Franklin’s Gardens, but has been tipped to become a key part of a Northampton pack that is sure to be competing in the European Champions Cup again next season.

“Kieran has steadily risen through the various England representative teams and has shown his quality at each level, building up experience along the way,” said Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder.

“However, while we believe that he can contribute a great deal to our squad, we also think that Kieran has a lot more to come. We are looking forward to seeing him develop as a player at Franklin's Gardens.”