Corne Krige, who led South Africa in last year's World Cup, yesterday signed for Northampton and is the favourite to become the club's captain next season.

Northampton's coach Alan Solomons, who worked with the 29-year-old Krige at Western Stormers and Western Province, yesterday paid tribute to the captaincy record of Krige, who has been released early from his Currie Cup contract with the province and will play in the Saints' pre-season matches.

"Corne is a fantastic bloke with strong leadership qualities, as evidenced by his captaincy of Western Province, the Stormers and the Springboks," said Solomons, who has delayed naming his captain.

Krige is the fifth South African to join Northampton following Solomons' appointment three months ago. His arrival has divided opinion among the club's followers who have split themselves on website message boards into two camps. The Doves oppose the signing of a player who was cited two seasons ago for multiple acts of foul play against England at Twickenham while the Hawks welcome added steel into the Saints' pack.

Some supporters threatened to return their season tickets should Krige arrive at Franklin's Gardens and there may be a protest at a farewell bash on Thursday for the Saints' former scrum-half Matt Dawson, who has joined Wasps having reportedly said that he could not envisage playing in the same team as Krige.

South Africa face Australia in Perth on Saturday and the Wallabies will be fortified by the return of their captain George Gregan who will win his 100th cap.

Relegated Wakefield yesterday announced they would not be able to take their place in National League Two next season for financial reasons and the division will operate with 13 teams next season. Two months ago the Rugby Football Union refused a request by the club to relocate to Oxford.