Former Suffolk schoolboy Alex Day turned down the chance to stay with Premiership giants Northampton Saints, in a bid to resurrect his promising career.

The ex-St Joseph’s College pupil, 22, penned a two-year deal with Championship club Cornish Pirates in April, having seen his path to the Saints first team blocked by England international Lee Dickson and Samoan star Kahn Fotuali’i.

Saints wanted to keep the Harwich-born youngster, but his desire to become a household Premiership name has seen him drop a level.

“It was a big decision to make,” admitted Day, who has a clause in his Pirates contract allowing him to leave, should a Premiership side make a move for him.

“I have been at Northampton for four years and could have stayed, but I decided I wanted to go and play more rugby.

“Northampton are a great club but it has been quite hard to get past two international players in front of me at nine (scrum half) and not playing wasn’t helping my case.”

The fixtures have yet to be announced for the new season, but Day sees the opportunity to play regular Championship rugby as a chance to put himself in the shop window.

“The club has massive ambition,” explained Day.

“They want to be a top four team in the Championship and it looks like I’ll be playing every week, which is what I need.

“I am looking to make the most of my time in Cornwall, but obviously long term my aim is to get back to the highest level possible.”

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