Northampton announced a 1.1m loss before tax in the year to the end of June 2023, but achieved a club record turnover of almost 22m as Darbon navigated them through the post-coronavirus period which saw Premiership clubs Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish fold.

"Saints remain firmly on the path to financial sustainability with record revenues posted year after year across ticketing, hospitality and commercial partnerships," said a club statement.

During his tenure, the club have also forged partnerships with Bedford Blues and Loughborough Lightning and are planning a hotel development and new club crest, both of which Darbon will continue to oversee until his departure.

They will also be one of the host venues for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.

Despite his new job, Darbon will remain part of the club as a non-executive director.

"Leaving Northampton Saints has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to make," he said.

"Rugby has faced some significant challenges, but the club is well positioned to continue to be successful into the future, on and off the pitch, whilst remaining at the centre of our local community in Northampton."

He continued: "Im looking forward to seeing where our players, coaches and staff particularly those that we have developed here at the club can take Northampton Saints in the years ahead."