Northampton fly-half Piers Francis to make Bath switch ahead of 2022/23 season

Bath Rugby have announced the signing of England international Piers Francis from Gallagher Premiership rivals Northampton Saints ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Born in England, Francis moved to New Zealand at the age of 18 and made his professional rugby debut with Auckland in 2011 and moved to Waikato in 2012.

The 31-year-old also had spells with Edinburgh and Doncaster Knights before joining Northampton Saints ahead of the 2017/18 season.

He made his England debut during the 2017 game against Argentina and has gone on to play nine Tests with his last appearance coming during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“With the players the club currently has and the ones that have been recruited, it is an exciting fresh start for me," he told the club's official website.

“Every time I have played at the Rec you feel the buzz from the supporters. I can’t wait to play in front of them and help the club progress.”

Northampton are positioned fourth in the Gallagher Premiership table with 12 wins from 21 games.