English Premiership club Northampton signed former Australia lock Dan Vickerman on a one-year contract on Tuesday.

Vickerman, who won 54 caps for the Wallabies and played in two World Cups, will combine studying at Cambridge University with playing for the Saints.

"Northampton is a club that has made great strides with the results that the team have had this year," Vickerman, 29, said.

"I've no regrets about moving (from Australia). Cambridge is a great place and it has been fantastic fun.

"Having said that, you always miss playing rugby at the highest level.

"I was fortunate to experience rugby at that level but sometimes you have to move on.

"As it happens I've been a bit isolated from rugby of late - I've been focusing on my exams."

Northampton qualified for next season's European Cup on Friday after beating Bourgoin in the European Challenge Cup final.

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."

Vickerman was born in Cape Town and played for South Africa Under-21s before moving to Australia, where he progressed through the ranks to make his Test debut in 2002.

Vickerman's last Test for Australia was a 27-15 victory over South Africa in August 2008 before he moved to Cambridge to begin his degree.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP