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Northampton announce the signing of Rob Horne ahead of the 2017/18 season
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Horne has won 33 caps for Australia and is primarily an outside centre
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He will bring valuable versatility and experience to the Aviva Premiership sid
Northampton Saints have bolstered their squad ahead of next season with the signing of experienced Wallaby back Rob Horne.
The 27-year-old has become a mainstay of the Australian national backline over the past six years and his signing represents a major coup for the East Midlands club, not least because Horne was the Wallabies’ vice-captain in 2016.
Horne, who while primarily an outside centre is equally comfortable in the 11, 12 and 14 shirts, has considerable big game experience, having represented Australia in two Rugby World Cups and against the British and Irish Lions in 2013 during his 33 caps won to date.
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At provincial level Horne has played all his representative career in Sydney with the Waratahs and is the ninth-most capped player for the state with over 100 appearances.
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that Horne’s speed, skill, strength and experience will be invaluable as the Saints look to develop in 2017/18 and beyond.
“Rob has played at the highest level of the sport for nearly a decade and we’re delighted that he has put pen to paper and agree to come to Franklin’s Gardens,” he said.
“He’s going to be a real asset for us, both with his quality of play and his leadership experience in what is a crucial position.”
Horne is looking forward to joining the Saints.
“Northampton is a club with a strong history and I look forward to being a part of that at the club,” he added. “I’m excited for the journey ahead and experiencing Aviva Premiership and European rugby.”