Appleford recently competed in the Rugby Sevens World Cup

The 27-year-old England sevens player, who has signed a three-year contract, spent three years with the Exiles and scored 11 tries in 91 appearances.

Appleford has only featured once for England against Argentina in June 2002 after scoring two tries against the Saints in the Powergen Cup final.

"Geoff is a very experienced player and we look forward to working with him," said Saints head coach Budge Pountney.

"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."