The Irish lock, who signed from Connacht for the start of last season, has fallen down director of rugby Jim Mallinder's second row pecking order after being a mainstay of the lineout last season, when he made 25 appearances as Saints were relegated.

Short will join former Saints team-mates Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson at Brive, who are struggling down in 11th in the French top league.

The 28-year-old follows fans' favourite Mark Robinson out of Franklin's Gardens as Mallinder continues to shape his squad for Saints' return to the Premirship after securing the National League One title with four games to go with an 18-8 victory over Exeter last Saturday.

Short has started just seven games this season and has not appeared for Saints since February 10 when he came on as a replacement against Doncaster.

He has been out injured lately and made his return to action for East Midlands in the Mobbs Memorial match against the Barbarians last week.

Speaking on fans website comeonyousaints.com, Short, who made 41 appearances for Saints and scored two tries, both coming this season, said: "To leave a club with such passionate, knowledgeable and wholehearted support is a massive wrench, but I feel it is time to move on to another challenge.

"Brive offers me a chance to continue to prove that I am able to compete at the highest levels of European rugby."