Northampton Saints release Tom May & Scott Armstrong

Northampton Saints have released veteran centre Tom May and former Leeds winger Scott Armstrong.

Two-time England cap May, 34, made 26 appearances and scored four tries for Saints this season.

The former Newcastle and Toulon back has spent two years at Franklin's Gardens, playing 53 games.

Armstrong, 26, joined Saints in 2010 and went on to make 22 appearances for the side, but featured just once this term, in an LV= Cup loss to Harlequins.

The pair are just two of nine departures from the beaten Premiership finalists, with moves for Paul Doran Jones (Harlequins), Ryan Lamb (Leicester), Brian Mujati (Racing Metro), Martin Roberts (Bath), Mark Sorenson (Bristol), Soane Tonga'uiha (Racing Metro) and Rhys Oakley (Plymouth) already confirmed.

"If a team is to succeed every player in the squad has to contribute," said director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

"Everyone in the squad has done this during the season, whether playing for the first or second teams, in training or in analysis and team meetings.

"On behalf of the rest of the coaching team I'd like to thank the players who are leaving for what they've done in their time at the Saints, and wish them the best for the future."