Doran-Jones agrees Saints move
Northampton have confirmed that England prop Paul Doran-Jones will join them from Aviva Premiership rivals Gloucester in the summer.
The 25-year-old, who can play on both sides of the scrum, was capped against Argentina during the 2009 autumn internationals and played against the Barbarians, Australia A and the New Zealand Maori as part of England's tour Down Under last summer. He is also part of Martin Johnson's Elite Player Squad for the RBS 6 Nations championship.
Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath revealed that the Cherry and Whites had made Doran-Jones a "terrific" contract offer to remain at Kingsholm, where he has spent the last two seasons, but the former Leinster and London Welsh forward has instead opted to commit himself to the Saints.
The move will see Doran-Jones face stiff competition from Soane Tonga'uhia and Brian Mujati in the Saints front row, but he is looking forward to working with a group of forwards that includes England lock Courtney Lawes and hooker Dylan Hartley.
"I played against the Saints in my first game for London Welsh and it's always been tough playing against them," he said.
"They've got a history of having a strong pack and it will be great to be a part of the squad at Franklin's Gardens.
"I'm looking forward to getting in and training with the boys. I've been with a few of them with England and the banter's starting already. The likes of Dylan (Hartley) and Courtney and the other guys like Tonga'uiha and Mujati have done really well this season and I want to be a part of that.
"Gloucester has been a great club for me. It's tough to leave the place where I had my chance. The clubs are similar with great followings and histories, and Kingsholm will always be a special place for me.
"But I'm looking forward to the challenge of moving to Franklin's Gardens and challenging for my place at the Saints. They are showing where they can be in the current Heineken Cup and I want to be competing at that level week in, week out in the future and improve myself as a player."
