Wright played two Championship matches for Northants last year

Wright, who played twice for Northants in 2003, joins state team-mate Michael di Venuto, Derbyshire's captain.

The Championship's bottom side last year hope Wright will fill the gap left by Dominic Cork's move to Lancashire.

"He is a talented pace bowler, and dangerous lower order batsman, who really fits the bill for us," said director of cricket David Houghton.

Wright added: "I'm really looking forward to a full season of County cricket with Derbyshire," said.

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak had been linked with the job but Houghton was keen to sign a player who would not be hit by international call-ups.

Wright, who boasts a batting average of 20.55, and has taken 120 wickets at 34.48 since his first-class debut in 1997, played for Australia A last year.

All-rounders Neil Gunter and Dominic Hewson, spinner Nathan Dumelow and Australian-born pace bowler Paul Havell have all signed new contracts at Derby.

South African left-arm spinner Anthony Botha has agreed a two-year deal, conditional on his gaining a British passport through his English father.

The county also confirmed negotiations former Somerset batsman James Bryant - another domestically-qualified South African - are continuing.