Morris has played with Leicester, Worcester and Cardiff Blues

Northampton Saints have signed former Wales prop Darren Morris until the end of the season.

The 35-year-old joins the Saints following the news that front-row forward Santiago Bonorino has been forced to retire due to a back injury.

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder told the club's website: "Darren is a prop with considerable experience.

"He can also play on both sides of the scrum, which is an excellent ability for him to have."

He added: "We are going into a crucial part of the season and with Euan Murray possibly going away with Scotland for the Six Nations, we had no second thoughts about bringing Darren in to give more competition to our props."

Morris has made over 100 Guinness Premiership appearances during a total of six years spent at Leicester and then Worcester.

At the end of the season, I am sure they will have won something because there are good players and a good team Former Northampton forward Santiago Bonorino

Mallinder was forced to extend his squad after Argentinean Bonorino announced his retirement after 12 games for the Saints

"It was fantastic for me to play for the Saints. We won a lot and I enjoyed every minute I played for Northampton," he said.

"I think that they have achieved something important, which is playing well and progressing every game."

"At the end of the season, I am sure they will have won something because there are good players and a good team."

Mallinder has praised Bonorino for his contribution to a successful season so far.

"Having a tight-head prop with his experience was very important while Euan Murray and Brian Mujati were injured at the start of the season.

"He was a big part of our good start to the campaign."

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