Colin Noon signs with Biarritz

Heineken Cup semi-finalists Biarritz have signed Colin Noon after the prop and Northampton Saints "amicably parted company" on Tuesday.

Noon, who signed to Saints at the end of last season, played just seven games for Saints this season after returning from a six-month suspension for stamping on the head of Pertemps Bees prop Matt Long during a National League One game in October 2004.

Noon was on loan to Rotherham from Leicester Tigers at the time of the incident.

He made his Saints debut against Worcester in this season's Powergen Cup, but was thwarted from making further appearances due to a calf injury, from which he has now recovered.
 
Northampton boss Budge Pountney said: "We wish Colin all the best with his time in Biarritz and hope that he gets some good game time out in France."

Biarritz have also signed Toulon back-rower Mohammed Dridi on a three-year contract, ostensibly with a view to replacing departing flanker Thierry Dusautoir, who is joining Toulouse.

"It's a dream come true," said the 95kg man to Le Site.

"But it is not complete yet. The really hard work starts here.

"But this has always been my target. I had the ambition, not the pretention, to sign for a top three or four club. I have discussed it with my family before this move, and I am glad to be here."

Biarritz winger Jimmy Marlu's fortunes continue to fluctuate as well. he fractured a tibula during a comeback match for Biarritz's A side on Sunday, and underwent an operation on Monday.

His season is definitely over, although he may be back in time for next season.