Mercey was part of the Saxons teams that beat Ireland A and Italy A

Northampton Saints have signed Saracens and England Saxons prop Tom Mercey for next season.

The 22-year-old has already made more than 50 appearances for Saracens and has been a regular with the Saxons since the 2007 Churchill Cup.

"I've enjoyed my five years at Saracens and learnt a lot, but Northampton is a great club that is going in the right direction," said Mercey.

"They're a team that plays a great style of rugby."

He continued: "I've got a great history with the coaches from England Under-19s, Under-21s and the Saxons.

"I try to learn from my competition in the squad, and I'm looking forward to coming into a different environment and hopefully playing first team rugby.

"They've got a great fan base, and coming from a London club it'll be good to come to a rugby town.

Although he is young, Tom already has plenty of experience at the top level of the game Northampton Saints director Jim Mallinder

"It is really important to know that you have the full-hearted support of all your fans and the local community and running out in front of a sell-out crowd every week."

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder was Mercey's coach for the 2007 Churchill Cup, and says that the prop is a major addition to the Saints squad.

"Tom is on his way to becoming a very good player," Mallinder said.

"He has matured very quickly and has a bright future, which we're delighted will be at Franklin's Gardens.

"Although he is young, Tom already has plenty of experience at the top level of the game and he is a quality addition in a specialist position where you cannot have too much depth."

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