REPORT: Northampton buy England prop out of his contract

The Rugby Paper's Jon Newcombe reported that Saints are willing to pay Newcastle to buy out the final year of Davison's contract.

Although the 30-year-old signed a three-year extension with the Falcons in 2021, which was supposed to run until the end of 2023/24, it appears that this season will be his last in the north-east.

Davison joined Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2017 from Blaydon RFC, for whom he made over 100 appearances.

Representing England Counties on multiple overseas tours, Davison developed under the wing of Falcons legend Micky Ward during his time at Blaydon, before stepping up to the professional arena.

Working as a beer delivery man prior to his first foray into the professional game, the Denton Burn native joined Blaydon at the age of 11 and played all his rugby there before signing for the Falcons.

Making 23 first team appearances in his debut season, 13 of which came in the Premiership, Davison was part of the Falcons side which defeated Northampton in front of a club record crowd of 30,174 at St James' Park.

Continuing his progress with another assured season in 2018-19, the Newcastle native started in the Champions Cup home games against Edinburgh and Toulon.

Helping the Falcons to promotion in 2019-20, Davison's supremely consistent form continued as he scored two tries in 17 appearances during 2020-21, making his England debut from the bench in July 2021 in the home victory over the USA.

Davison was part of England's training squad in June 2022 ahead of their summer tour, having scored two tries in his 22 appearances for Newcastle during the 2021-22 campaign.

It's already been revealed that key players Sam Simmonds (Montpellier), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Montpellier), Joe Simmonds (Pau), Dave Ewers (Ulster), Jannes Kirsten (Bulls) and Harry Williams (Montpellier) will all leave the club.

Despite no new arrivals yet being confirmed, Baxter is known to be busy as the Exeter boss looks to rebuild his once formidable side.

Below, we take a look at five players who've ben linked with a move to Sandy Park.

According to The Rugby Paper, Chiefs' Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, may adhere to his existing approach of recruiting players with potential for development when seeking a replacement for Williams.

The reported target for the role is Northampton's 24-year-old powerhouse Painter, who weighs a stunning 21 stone.

Born in London, Painter represented England at age-grade level. Having played for England Under-16s, Under-17s, and Under-18s, he was selected for the Under-20s for the Six Nations and World Rugby Under-20s Championships in France in 2018.

Linked with a move to Exeter Chiefs by The Rugby Paper, Newcastle's versatile back-rower would add some serious bite to Exeter's depleted pack.

Part of the Falcons squad which earned promotion during 2019-20, Chick recovered from a serious knee injury during the back half of the 2020-21 season and earned an England call-up for their summer tests, making his debut against the USA at Twickenham in July 2021.

Scoring four tries in his 21 appearances during 2021-22, including captaining the side on a number of occasions, Chick went on to play for England in their end-of-season fixture against the Barbarians.

The Rugby Paper have reported today that Moriarty could return to the Premiership next season with Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints bidding for his services.

Destructive and powerful back row Moriarty joined the Dragons in the summer of 2018 after moving from Gloucester.

Having played for England Under 18 and Under 20, Moriarty made his Wales international debut against Ireland in August, 2015.

He originally missed out on selection for Warren Gatland’s 2015 World Cup squad but was brought in after Eli Walker’s hamstring injury forced the Ospreys winger out of the tournament.

DID YOU KNOW? Moriarty’s father Paul played in the first World Cup in 1987 before forging a successful rugby league career with Widnes.

Chiefs have been linked with a potential move for Bristol Bears hooker Harry Thacker who has spent the last five years in the West Country.

The 28-year-old former England U20 international, above, has been playing for the Bears since leaving his hometown club Leicester Tigers where he started his career.

Rob Baxter is in the market for another hooker after it was confirmed Luke Cowan-Dickie will join Montpellier next season.

Baxter is looking at Racing 92’s versatile Fijian international Ben Volavola as they search for someone to replace Joe Simmonds, who will reportedly leave the club this summer.

The 31-year-old fly-half has been well-travelled since starting his career in Australia with the Waratahs a decade ago.

He has yet to play in the Premiership, but that could be about to change.