The 26 year-old Irish centre arrives at Franklin’s Gardens from Italian outfit Calvisano. He has also played for Irish provinces Munster, Connacht and Leinster as well as for Ireland Sevens.

Downey has a reputation for hard running, helped by a 6ft 4in, 16 stone frame. He was an ever-present in Calvisano’s Heineken Cup campaign last season, starting all six Pool Three matches.

James Downey in action for Munster

Downey has signed a one-year contract with the Saints and is excited by the prospect of playing in England.

“Northampton’s a club with a strong tradition and fantastic, top-class facilities,” he said. “I’m looking forward to helping get the Saints back into the Premiership and meeting the challenge of playing against teams that will all be looking to defeat us. It will also be good to play with some familiar faces such as Christian Short and Damien Browne, who I played with at Connacht.

“Playing for Jim Mallinder, Dorian West and Paul Grayson will be exciting for me. They will add to my game and improve it and I’m relishing learning everything I can from them.”

“James brings plenty of experience and a good attitude to Franklin’s Gardens,” said Saints’ director of rugby Jim Mallinder. “He fits the profile of the player we want here, both in his hard work but also his ability to fit into an exciting back line and he could make a big impact this season. I’m looking forward to welcoming him to the Saints.”