SAINTS assistant coach Laurent Frayssinous will be leaving the club following the conclusion of the 2024 season.

It had been expected, given the announcement that Lee Briers is joining the club to assist Paul Wellens.

It follows on from the confirmed departures of seven first team squad players yesterday.

France national coach Frayssinous has been with Saints for two seasons - and was part of the coaching team steered the side to World Club Challenge victory in Australia over Penrith Panthers in 2023.

In announcing the departure the club stated: "Highly thought of by our players and his fellow coaching staff, Laurent has sacrificed a lot in the last two years by living and working here in England away from his family."

Club Chairman Eamonn McManus paid tribute to him at the Saints’ annual End of Season Awards Night on Wednesday, and club captain Jonny Lomax presented him with a gift and a special club frame.

Frayssinous said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time, the boys are great players and people, and so are the coaching staff.

"We’ve been challenged, especially this year, with results not going our way for many reasons but it has been a pleasure to walk in day in and day out to work with these boys.

“Spending two years with Saints, I know I am a better coach than I was when I first came in – thanks to the staff and the boys.

"I understand why this club is successful and what it means.

“As for what’s next for me, I just want to be around my family and I can’t wait to go home and be with them.”

Head coach Wellens added: “Laurent has been fantastic with us in the last two seasons, he has sacrificed a lot too being away from his loved ones back home in France.

"I can’t thank Laurent enough for the unwavering support, hard work and dedication he has given me and the club during his time here.

"I speak on behalf of the staff and all the players when I say we will miss him very much and we would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future.”