Lee Dickson joins Bedford as player-coach

The 32-year-old will move to Goldington Road next season as a player-coach.

Dickson, who won the last of his 18 Test caps against New Zealand in 2014, joined Northampton from Newcastle nine years ago.

Bedford rugby director Mike Rayer said: "To be able to sign a player of Lee's quality is a real coup for the club, and everybody is excited to welcome him and his experience to Goldington Road.

"Lee could easily have stayed in the Premiership, but he has a desire to progress in coaching while continuing to play and Bedford is the perfect place to do so."

Dickson, who captained Northampton last season, added: "Northampton will always be in my heart, as it is a club I've played for for nine years, but this is professional rugby and you have to look to the future rather than the past.

"I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life with Bedford Blues.

"There is a very talented back-line at Bedford, and I hope that I can pass on some of my experiences to those guys."