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Northampton Saints have signed centre James Wilson ahead of the new campaign.

The 28-year-old New Zealander - who spent eight years with provincial side Southland - played for French outfit Bourgoin last season.

"Playing in the Premiership has always been a goal of mine," said Wilson, who has turned out in Super Rugby for both Highlanders and Chiefs.

"The history of the Saints is very special and both the coaches and the squad are world class."

Although predominantly a centre, Wilson has also played at fly-half and full-back.

Northampton's director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "James is an experienced player who has shown his abilities on both sides of the world.

"He reads a game well, brings other players around him into the play and has a strong kicking game too.

"We've been impresssed with what we've seen of him and believe he'll fit into our patterns of play and give us options."