DONE: Bath confirm the signing of England international

The 31-year-old fly-half, who can also play centre, has been an influential figure in the Northampton Saints backline for the past five seasons.

Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive, said: “Piers’ experience will prove extremely valuable. He is a talented individual who will complement the young group of backs we have at the club.”

Francis added: “With the players the club currently has and the ones that have been recruited, it is an exciting fresh start for me. 

“Every time I have played at the Rec you feel the buzz from the supporters. I can’t wait to play in front of them and help the club progress.”

Leicester is rumoured to be the most likely destination for out of contract Bath, England and Lions winger for next season.

Rumours of his departure have subsided since it was revealed that current Munster coach Johann van Graan would be stepping into the head coach role, but there is still no certainty about his future, nor is there any shortage of clubs lining up to sign him.

Bath and London Irish are set to miss out to Clermont in the race to sign former England Number 8.

The Top 14 side are close to wrapping up a deal for the No8 and he is set to join them in the summer when his current £500,000-a-year contract expires.

A move to France will mean he is officially unable to play for England, but he has recently been linked with switching allegiances to Fiji anyway under new eligibility laws introduced by World Rugby in January.

Ealing Trailfinders are the surprise early favourite to sign out-of-contract former England fullback when his current deal at Newcastle expires in the summer.

The Rugby Paper reports that the 36-year-old is a top target for the ambitious Championship side.

The World Cup-winning Springbok scrum-half is expected to join Japanese club, the Canon Eagles, after leaving the Sale Sharks.

Previously, it was reported that Faf de Klerk, who has been with English club Sale Sharks since 2017, was set to take up a £900 000 per year offer from the Hurricanes in Japan.

However, it now appears that it is in fact the Canon Eagles who have swooped in to secure his signature, with De Klerk in line to join fellow Springbok Jesse Kriel at the club.

The Rugby Paper has reported that Wasps have 'completed a move' for Haydon-Wood. The 21-year-old has progressed through Newcastle's academy and has been a prominent player this season, featuring in 15 Premiership games and scoring 65 points.