Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd will leave the franchise at the end of this Super Rugby season to take up a new role in England.

Boyd has been appointed director of rugby at English Premiership club the Northampton Saints, a position he will take up following his fourth year in charge of the Hurricanes.

The 59-year-old said it had been a difficult decision, but the right one at this point in his career.

‘I’m passionate about the Hurricanes and making the call not to carry on was a tough one, but the opportunity at Northampton presented an exciting new challenge that was too good to pass up.

‘With my coaching future now decided, I can fully focus on the 2018 season and making sure my final year is a memorable one.’

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