Northampton have stepped up their rebuilding process with the signing of Australia international Cameron Shepherd.
The 28-year-old, who can play at full-back or on the wing, has agreed to join the Saints after six years at the Western Force.
Shepherd, who has also had a previous spell at the Waratahs, has been capped nine times - and he is now looking forward to the fresh challenge in the Aviva Premiership.
Shepherd, who will also add depth the Northampton's goal-kicking options, told the club's official site: "It's an exciting opportunity for me. I've heard lots of good things about Jim Mallinder as a coach and about the Saints as a club.
"Jim has got the team playing a great brand of rugby which I believe suits my style of play and to which I think I've got a lot to offer.
"It is definitely going to be a new challenge for me. The Premiership is a tough competition and there are a lot of teams which like to play exciting rugby, especially the Saints.
"You can see that with the quality of player that there is at the club, players like Ben Foden and George Pisi, who are established internationals.
"I'm looking forward to playing with those guys and the rest of the squad, and for playing for a club which has a great reputation and an amazing history.
"Northampton is similar to the Force in that it has a great fanbase behind the team and I'm looking forward to showing the Saints supporters what I can do as a player.
"I can't wait to get there."
