Jim Mallinder disappointed by Alex Corbisiero exit

Jim Mallinder has expressed his disappointment over Alex Corbisiero's decision to take a year away from rugby at the end of the season.

The England prop has been plagued by injury problems in recent years and is sidelined with a knee injury which required surgery.

Northampton director of rugby Mallinder would have liked the 27-year-old to stay at the club, but understands why he this week made the bold call to take a break.

Mallinder said: "It's disappointing for the lad and it's disappointing for the club, but I guess it doesn't come as a massive surprise. He's been dogged by a few injuries, not just his knees, but his shoulders as well.

"I just think he wants to freshen up physically and mentally, it's a shame, but I can understand it.

"Every individual is different, some people like to freshen up by joining another club, some people freshen up, like Alex, by having a little bit of time out of the game.

"I think generally player welfare is getting better, we are aware we can't play our players for 32, 36 or 40 games a year continuous 80 minutes a game.

"It is too much in this modern game so we, as most squads, look to rotate and rest your players and get them away at certain times of the season."

Corbisiero's Saints and England team-mate Courtney Lawes thinks the time out will prove beneficial.

"I think he needs it, it is brave but I think he's the kind of person that can come back from it," Lawes added. "It certainly doesn't mean he's washed up or he's gone or anything like that.

"He needs a break, he's had a lot of trouble with his knees and stuff like that. He'll go away and come back a stronger person, a stronger player and I'm sure he'll come back better.

"Sometimes you've just got to give yourselves a little break and a proper break as you never really get one in rugby, even when you take six months off and come back you feel exactly the same, you need to take some proper time out. It's a tough sport and you need to look after yourself."