Labit joined the Saints from Narbonne earlier this week and could play a part in Saturday’s GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP match against high-flying Gloucester.

But though his contract only lasts until the end of the season Labit is still eager to make his mark in English rugby.

“It’s a great pleasure to play against sides like Gloucester,” he said. “And it’s great for me to know that I can still play at this level at 36 years of age.”

Labit is no stranger to Franklin’s Gardens having played there for both Narbonne and Toulouse in European competition. He also scored against the Saints in the Heineken Cup quarter final in Toulouse in 2005.

“I’ve played against Northampton a few times, and I think that there is a lot of quality here at the club,” he commented. “It was easy to sign here.”

Labit says that the presence of former Toulouse team-mate David Gerard at the Gardens was crucial in his decision.

“David and I played for six seasons together so I know him very well,” he said. “It’s very important for me to have players like him and Matthieu Bourret at the club, because they are French and my English is not very good!

“When you sign a short contract it’s important to get straight on the track so having other French players here helps a lot.”