28-year-old Cohen scored 103 tries in his 270 games since making his Saints debut against Treorchy in September 1996 and won a Heineken Cup winners’ medal in 2000. He also won 57 England caps and a 2003 World Cup winners’ medal and is currently second on the all-time England try-scoring list. However in mid-August he indicated his desire to look elsewhere for a new challenge.

Since then the club and Cohen have been in negotiations which were resolved last week.

“Ben was under contract until the end of this season,” said Saints chief executive Allan Robson. “So we have obviously had extensive discussions to fully understand his situation. The result is that we have reached a position which we feel is in the interests of both the club and the player. The club has agreed an early release, Ben has made a payment honouring the remainder of his contract and we are parting on the best of terms.”

“I have been at the Saints for my entire career,” said Cohen. “My career at the Saints been very special, especially winning the Heineken Cup in 2000, reaching three Twickenham cup finals and two Premiership play-offs.

“I have many friends at the club and it will always have a special place in my heart. I am grateful to the Saints for the opportunities they have given me and I wish the club all the best for their promotion campaign and the years to come. I would also like to thank the supporters. They’ve always been there for me and I will miss them.”

“Everyone at the club will want to join me in thanking Ben for all he has done for the Saints over a wonderful 14-year career,” said Saints chairman Keith Barwell. “We wish him and his wife Abby every success and happiness, particularly with his new family on the way.”