Browne was born in New Zealand but is Ireland qualified

The 27-year-old, who joined Saints in 2005 after three years with French side Grenoble, has made 41 starts for Northampton, scoring five tries.

"Forwards coach Mark Bakewell and I know Daniel from our time in France," said Bath boss Steve Meehan, a former assistant coach at Stade Francais.

"He played very well for Grenoble and very well for Northampton."

Browne was coached at Grenoble by former England and Lions number eight Dean Richards.

We felt it was the right time for him to move on Saints head coach Paul Grayson

And the New Zealand-born forward says he is looking forward to making his move.

"When Steve Meehan was involved with Paris we played against them a few times and it will be good to work with him and Mark Bakewell rather than against them," said Browne.

"I have been to Bath a few times in the last couple of years and I said: 'I wish I was playing rugby here'.

606: DEBATE It was with great pleasure that I read Paul Grayson's reasons for releasing Browne CG

"It's a beautiful town, a beautiful place, and obviously it's got a great rugby team."

Northampton are currently bottom of the Premiership with just three games of the season left.

And head coach Paul Grayson said: "Daniel's been a good guy to have around the squad.

"But with the emergence of Mark Easter and Mark Hopley as young English number eights we felt it was the right time for him to move on."