Victor Matfield has signed a one-year contract with the Northampton Saints.

The 38-year-old Springbok lock has 123 Test caps, and will retire from Test rugby, for the second time, after the 2015 World Cup.

Matfield said he was delighted to finally get the opportunity to play for the English club.

'It is an honour for me to join the Northampton Saints,' he said in a statement. 'Seven years ago Saints very nearly became my rugby home and I feel privileged to be given another opportunity to join the club.

'I join Saints to make the best contribution I possibly can and I have a genuine desire to hopefully play an instrumental role in a team effort, with the aim of lifting silverware in both the English Premiership and the European Champions Cup.

'For now I will focus only on the Springboks' campaign to win the World Cup but I am very excited about the journey with Saints from November onwards.'

'Victor is one of the outstanding forwards in world rugby,' said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder. 'We're very much looking forward to Victor joining up with the squad and believe he has a lot to offer the club, not only on the field, but also off it in terms of his leadership qualities and experience.'

Photo: Gabriel Rossi/Gallo Images