Saints lock is leaving to join Glasgow

The 28-year-old lock initially signed on at Franklin’s Gardens during the summer of 2019 having had a successful trial spell during the previous season.

But he now moves on to pursue an opportunity with the Scottish side in the Pro14 after making 15 first-team appearances in the black, green and gold.

The former British Army second row went on two tours of Afghanistan as a Rifleman, serving in Helman Province and Kabul, but also worked his way up through the Army’s age-grade teams and featured in the 100th anniversary match between the Army and Navy at Twickenham in 2017.

Bean made 10 Gallagher Premiership appearances in total for Saints – also running out twice in the Heineken Champions Cup and three times in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

He moves to Glasgow having already spent time on loan at Scotstoun between November and December.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by Chris Boyd and everyone at Northampton Saints to play professional rugby alongside my military career,” said Bean.

“I’ve had an incredible experience over the last two years at Franklin’s Gardens.

“Northampton is a wonderful place to play rugby, in front of incredibly passionate supporters alongside a great group of lads, but the opportunity for more game time in Glasgow was one I could not turn down.

“I hope I am able to say a proper goodbye in person to Saints’ supporters before the end of this season, if the restrictions allow, and I want to thank everyone at the club for welcoming me as they have done.”