Leeds Carnegie's Clark to join Northampton Saints

Despite being just 20, Clark is already established at Guinness Premiership level, and became the youngest forward to play in the league when he made his debut for Leeds Carnegie in September 2007 against Saracens at the tender age of 19.

Although his favoured position is as an openside flanker, Clark is comfortable in all three back row positions and his signing continues the Saints' policy of flexibility in a crucial part of the team.

Clark made 23 appearances during his maiden season at Leeds, 17 of those as a member of the starting line-up. A graduate of the Leeds Academy system, Clark's abilities and potential were recognised by two consecutive Young Player of the Year awards and a call-up for the England Under-20 squad in 2008.

After helping the squad reach the 2008 IRB Junior World Championship (JWC) final, he was back in the side for 2009, this time as captain for both the Six Nations and the JWC campaign in Japan, when England once again made the final.

So far this season he has missed just two of Leeds' matches in the Guinness Premiership, LV= Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup, but he knows that he will have to work hard for a place in the Saints line-up.

"It's going to be a real fight for me to get into the squad," Clark said.

"I'm under no illusions about that, and I'll have to get my head down and graft and then make the most of my opportunities if I get them.

"There are some quality players at Northampton and hopefully being around them will improve my own game."