Saints sign Wallaby prop

Australian prop Salesi Ma'afu has joined Northampton Saints from Perth outfit Western Force, the English Premiership club announced on Monday.

The 29-year-old is the Saints' second major front row signing for next season, after last month's capture of England international prop Alex Corbisiero from London Irish.

Ma'afu has won 14 caps for Australia and played at the 2011 World Cup, but he broke his arm playing domestic rugby last year and missed the Wallabies' end-of-year tour to Europe.

"We have been impressed by what we have seen from Salesi," said Northampton Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder.

"He has built up a good reputation as one of the top props in Australia and has been a big part of the Wallabies' recent improvements in the set-piece.

"Salesi will add a great deal to our group of props and the squad in general going into next season, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Franklin's Gardens later in the year."

Born in Sydney, Ma'afu - whose brother Campese is also an international prop - has built up extensive Super Rugby experience with the Brumbies and latterly Western Force.