Rate it!

1 votes

Northampton have confirmed the signing of former Australia lock Dan Vickerman for the 2009/10 season.

The 55-times capped Vickerman (pictured) will combine playing for the Guinness Premiership club with his studies at Cambridge University, where he is reading land economy.

The former ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs player, 29, is a veteran of two World Cups and made the last of his international appearances against South Africa in Durban last year.

"While players like Courtney Lawes and Juandre Kruger have performed well over the past few months it is easy to forget that they are still in the early stages of their careers and have plenty to learn," Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said.

"Having a player with the experience of Dan Vickerman will help them, and the other young players in the Saints squad, develop.

"Going forward our squad has to have this blend of youth and experience and Dan will bring considerable know-how from his time with the Wallabies, New South Wales and the ACT Brumbies.

"I am delighted that he has decided to join us here at Franklin's Gardens and hope that he will be a big part of the club's future."

Northampton finished eighth in their first season back in the top flight and qualified for the Heineken Cup next season by winning the European Challenge Cup last week.

"Northampton is a club that has made great strides with the results that the team have had this year," said the 6'8" Vickerman.

"I've watched them play and they play a great brand of rugby. I will also be wanting to grow as a player. Rugby is a game in which you're continually learning and it will be fun playing under Jim and his coaching staff.

"And if I can contribute to the club getting better then that would be great too."

Vickerman will join other new signings Phil Downson from Newcastle and Santiago Bonorino from Leicester at Franklin's Gardens next season.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport