Shepherd to join Saints

Northampton Saints have signed Australia star Cameron Shepherd from Western Force ahead of the 2012/13 campaign.

The 28-year-old is Western Force's all-time leading points scorer and will replace departing wing Chris Ashton, who is to join Premiership champions Saracens. Shepherd, who can also play full-back, will move to England at the end of the Super Rugby season. "Cameron is a very talented player who has shown regularly that he has the ability and temperament to compete at the highest level," said Northampton coach Jim Mallinder. "We're looking forward to welcoming him to Franklin's Gardens and believe that he will contribute a good deal to the squad." Shepherd, who was born in England but has nine caps for the Wallabies, added: "It's an exciting opportunity for me. Jim has got the team playing a great brand of rugby which I believe suits my style of play and to which I think I've got a lot to offer." The former Waratahs star is the Saints' fourth signing for next season, after Luther Burrell, Sam Dickinson and Gerrit-Jan van Velze.