The 27-year-old is also an accomplished sevens player and a regular name on the England sevens squad’s teamsheet. He recently competed in the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Hong Kong alongside Saints Academy centre Neil Starling.

Appleford won his only England cap against Argentina in June 2002 after he attracted the interest of then England coach Sir Clive Woodward with two tries against Northampton Saints in the Powergen Cup final.

Head coach Budge Pountney said: “At only the age of 27, Geoff is a very experienced player and we look forward to working with him. He still has an ambition to get back into the England team, and with a good deal of determination and application, I see no reason why he could not do that.”