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• Daniel Browne

Bath have bolstered their back row for next season with the capture of Northampton forward Daniel Browne on a three-year contract.

The 27-year-old has spent two seasons at Franklin's Gardens, having previously played for French side Grenoble.

An all-action number eight, Browne first caught the eye of Bath boss Steve Meehan while plying his trade in France, and both Meehan and forwards coach Mark Bakewell have kept tabs on him ever since.

"Daniel is somebody Mark and I know well from our time in France. He played very well for Grenoble and over the last season he has played very well for Northampton," said Meehan.

"We are sure that, with his abilities, he can add to the dynamics of Bath Rugby."

With Wales international Gareth Delve almost certain to join rivals Gloucester, Browne will take the specialist number eight duties at the Rec next season.

"I have been to Bath a few times in the last couple of years and in pre-season last year. I came with my girlfriend and I said, 'I wish I was playing rugby here.' It's a beautiful town, a beautiful place, and obviously it's got a great rugby team," said Browne.

"When Steve was involved with Paris we played against them a few times and it will be good to work with him and Mark rather than against them."

Saints boss Paul Grayson revealed competition for places made it a sensible move for the back row to leave Franklin's Gardens.

"Daniel's been a good guy to have around the squad," Grayson "But with the emergence of Mark Easter and Mark Hopley as young English Number eights we felt it was the right time for Daniel to move on."

Browne's move from the Guinness Premiership strugglers makes him Bath's second forward signing for next season.

The West Country club have already signed lock Martin Purdy from Wasps.