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England prop Alex Corbisiero has left Northampton Saints with immediate effect, the Aviva Premiership club has announced.

Corbisiero, who was part of the 2013 British and Irish Lions' Test series triumph in Australia, has endured a debilitating run of injuries during his playing career.

He recently announced an intention to take a year's break from rugby following his latest injury setback, and Saints' management have now decided to release him early from his contract at Franklin's Gardens.

"Alex has made a big contribution to the Saints, on and off the pitch, and we've all been frustrated that he has not been able to make a consistent run of appearances in the first team," Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder told the club's official website. "We wish him success in whatever he decides to do in the future."

Corbisiero said: "I'd like to thank everyone in the Northampton Saints organisation for all of their support on and off the field these last couple of years.

"I've had some amazing highs and some frustrating lows while at Saints but have always been well looked after and supported. I've shared some incredible memories and made some great friendships along the way. It has been an honour to be part of such a special group of players and I wish them all the best for this season and the future.

"Lastly, I'd like to thank the Saints' supporters, who have shown me nothing but love. It was a privilege to play in front of them at the Gardens and I will never forget the atmosphere they create and how they rally behind the team week in, week out."

Corbisiero, 27, joined Saints in the summer of 2013 from London Irish and helped the club to Aviva Premiership and European Challenge Cup glory the following year. He made 30 appearances during the 2015/16 campaign but has been unable to add to that this season having been scuppered by injuries. Corbisiero has won 20 England caps.