Clark committed to Leeds's cause ahead of summer exit

Flanker Clark, 20, has featured in all but two of Leeds's games this season and has started the last two in the Guinness Premiership.

He became the youngest forward to feature in the top flight when he made his debut against Saracens aged 17 and last year captained the England Under-20s.

He will be the latest academy graduate to move on from Leeds, following in the footsteps of England scrum-half Danny Care.

Clark said: "It was a really hard decision to make and my leaving isn't a negative reflection on Leeds as a club.

"I've grown up there and it will always be close to my heart. But I've made a decision to push on and make the best of myself.

"However, I am fully committed to Leeds until the end of the season and am desperate to go out on a high."

Leeds's director of rugby Andy Key stressed the strength of the back row division as pivotal in their decision to allow him to leave.

He said: "It is always disappointing to lose a talented young player but unfortunately that is the nature of professional sport.

"He will be a complete professional for the remainder of the campaign and leave his club knowing that he has helped keep us in the Guinness Premiership."

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "Calum is rightly regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the country."