Former Blues scrum-half to get first crack at Premiership rugby after being signed by Northampton Saints

Former Bedford Blues scrum-half Tom James has signed for Northampton Saints, the Premiership club have announced.

The 26-year-old has joined a top-flight club for the first time in his career, and said the decision to join was a "no-brainer".

He added: "There’s a great set-up Franklin’s Gardens; the training facilities are excellent and the stadium is one of the best in the country.

"But most importantly, Saints are a Club with huge ambition and a really impressive group of coaches, so I am confident it is the best place for me to improve as a rugby player."

James, who is six foot nine inches tall, was signed from Championship side Doncaster Knights where he was the club's top scorer in the 2018/19 season.

His exploits for the Knights were spotted by the Saints coaching staff, according to Director of Rugby Chris Boyd.

He said: "It was clear to us that he had really good core skills, works hard and comes from a good background.

"He just needs an opportunity to flourish and we think he’ll really compliment the guys we’ve already got for next year in Alex Mitchell, Henry Taylor and Connor Tupai.

"They’ve got their subtle differences but they are all young, high potential, and English, which fits our model perfectly."

James will have to wait to join up with his teammates for now as rugby, like most aspects of UK life, has been shutdown by the coronavirus outbreak.