Codling, who won one cap for England against Argentina, will be available to play for the club very shortly following the completion of his rehabilitation for a back operation.

Saints and Bedford have long enjoyed a friendly partnership with both clubs loaning players to each other for either Wanderers games or Division One matches. However, Codling’s registration has been transferred to Saints – a move that will financially benefit the Blues.

Codling, aged 31, suspended his playing career at Saracens in the 2003/04 season after battling with injury. He began his career as a part of the U21s set-up at London Wasps before moving to Blackheath and then Richmond when the game turned professional. When Richmond collapsed, Codling was signed to Neath before moving to Harlequins, where he spent three seasons. The 6ft 5ins lock is a lineout specialist who played his first game in an England shirt against the Barbarians in 2002.

Saints operations director John Steele said today: “Alex has got huge Premiership experience and, having been capped for England, is a player of particular ability. He has been very unlucky with severe injury and hopefully, thanks to Bedford, this arrangement will give him a chance to get back into the game and give us necessary back-up in the lock possession.”

Bedford Blues chairman Geoff Irvine said: “We view this as yet another example of how the two clubs can work together for their mutual benefit. We believe Saints’ superior medical facilities will enable Alex to return to full fitness much sooner. Our best wishes go with him.”