Russian wing Artemyev leaves Saints

Vasily Artemyev’s stay at Saints is to be cut short with the wing returning to Russia.
GOING HOME - Vasily Artemyev is leaving Saints to return to Russia (Picture: Linda Dawson)GOING HOME - Vasily Artemyev is leaving Saints to return to Russia (Picture: Linda Dawson)
GOING HOME - Vasily Artemyev is leaving Saints to return to Russia (Picture: Linda Dawson)

Artemyev will play his final game in Northampton colours on Monday night, when he takes to the field for the Wanderers in their ‘A’ League final battle with Bath at Franklin’s Gardens.

The 26-year-old has expressed a desire to return home and has been released with immediate effect.

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He made 33 appearances for Saints, scoring 45 points in the process, with his highlight a hat-trick on debut in an LV= Cup game against Saracens.

“We’re sad to see Vasily leave, but totally understand his reasons why,” said Mallinder. “He has worked extremely hard in his time with us and has learned a great deal.

“He is an intelligent young man who has never given less than 100 per cent, and we wish him all the best for the future.
“Of course this leaves a bit of a hole in the squad, and we will be bringing in someone to fill that gap in the not-too-distant future.”
Artemyev says he has relished turning out for the Saints and paid tribute to the coaches and players for helping him improve since joining the club from VVA Podmoskovye in 2011.
“It has been a great honour for me to represent this magnificent club and play alongside the best players and under the coaching of Jim Mallinder,” he said.

“I am leaving this club a far better and more experienced player than I came.
“My biggest regret about leaving is not to be not being able to run out again in front of the most loving and supporting crowd at the Gardens that I have ever had a chance to play in front of.
“Unfortunately the time has come for me to play my rugby elsewhere, but I wish the club all the best in future and I hope we win some long deserved silverware this season.”

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