Saints and Gloucester swoop

Northampton have moved to strengthen their back-row resources for next season by signing Bedford flanker Ben Lewitt.

The 25-year-old, who has previously played for Leicester and Orrell, also gained England honours at sevens and student levels.

"Ben has performed brilliantly this year for Bedford Blues, and we are very pleased he has decided to join us," said Northampton head coach Budge Pountney.

"He will make an immediate impact in the way he can carry the ball, and his defensive capabilities are as you would expect of a back-rower."

Mercier rejoins Gloucester

Zurich Premiership side Gloucester have completed the signing of French fly-half Ludovic Mercier on a three-year contract.

The 28-year-old, who spent two seasons with the club between 2001 and 2003, will rejoin the Kingsholm outfit from French team Pau in the summer.

In the 2001-02 season Mercier became the only English-based player ever to score more than 500 points in competitive matches for his club in a season, finishing the Zurich championship-winning year with 508 points in all competitions.

Director of rugby Nigel Melville told the club's official website: "Ludo doesn't need any introduction to anyone here at Kingsholm, we're well aware of his top-class ability and points scoring record."