Vickerman won 54 Wallaby caps before quitting the international game

Northampton Saints have signed former Australia second row Dan Vickerman on a one-year deal.

Vickerman, who won 54 Australia caps, will combine playing for the Saints with studying at Cambridge University.

"Northampton have made great strides with the results the team have had this year," said the 29-year-old.

The Saints have had a successful return to the Premiership and qualified for the Heineken Cup after beating Bourgoin in the European Challenge Cup final.

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder said Vickerman, who has played in two World Cups, would add quality and experience to the team.

"Dan will bring considerable know-how from his time with the Wallabies, New South Wales and the ACT Brumbies," he said.

Cape Town-born Vickerman played for South Africa Under-21s before moving to Australia, where he made his Test debut in 2002.

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His final Test was the 27-15 victory against South Africa in August 2008.

"I've no regrets about moving [from Australia]. Cambridge is a great place and it's been fantastic fun," said Vickerman.

"Having said that, you always miss playing rugby at the highest level. I was fortunate to experience it at that level but sometimes you have to move on."

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