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Saints snap up Oakley

Image: Rhys Oakley: Will team up with Northampton

Northampton have signed experienced back-rower Rhys Oakley for the 2012-13 Aviva Premiership campaign.

Back-rower makes the switch from Bourgoin

Northampton have signed experienced back-rower Rhys Oakley for the 2012-13 Aviva Premiership campaign. The 31-year-old arrives from French side Bourgoin and has had spells with Newport Gwent Dragons, Bristol and Leeds Carnegie. Oakley, who has twice represented Wales, has featured for Saints in pre-season friendlies against Leinster, Moseley and Edinburgh and done enough to earn a permanent contract. "It's great to be at a big club, certainly the biggest club that I've ever been at," he said. "I'm relishing the chance to do well here. Unfortunately Bourgoin's financial situation meant that things didn't go as well as I wanted in France, but Saints gave me a ring. Things went well and here I am. "I think I'm coming to Northampton as a more rounded player from my time in France. I'm glad I got away from the Premiership for a year. "It was good to experience a different culture. So I feel like I'm here refreshed as a player and ready to make the most of my opportunity." Director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "Quality back rowers are always good to have at the club, and we believe that Rhys can contribute to the squad."

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