Saints centre May turns down Tigers to sign for Welsh

The 34-year-old is understood to have turned down a one-year deal at Tigers, as a summer switch to Welsh will allow him to further his off-pitch interests.

May is keen to develop a business model to be an inspirational leader to younger players and the Oxford-based club will allow him time to pursue that.

Welsh are currently bottom of the Aviva Premiership after recently having five points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.

But May’s move is not thought to be dependent on which division they will be playing in next season.

The former Newcastle and Toulon man, who has won two England caps, has made 49 appearances for Saints since joining the club in the summer of 2011.

He has has been a prominent figure alongside Samoan George Pisi in the Northampton midfield this season, recording 13 points during the current campaign.