Northampton sign hooker Friswell

Friswell has spent the last two years at Coventry

Northampton Saints have signed Coventry hooker Stuart Friswell ahead of their return to the Premiership.

The 25-year-old, who has been with Coventry for two years, started with Leicester and has also played for Plymouth and England Under-21s.

Saints boss Jim Mallinder said: "Stuart is a good young English hooker who adds strength in depth in a position where you cannot have too much cover.

"He has a good background in the game and impressed us last season."

Friswell links up with former Leicester player, now Saints forwards coach, Dorian West.

"It was a pleasant surprise getting the call from Dorian so close to the pre-season and I was more than happy to accept the challenge at the Saints," said Friswell.

"It is a massive club with a huge season ahead in the Premiership and I am relishing meeting the challenges ahead.

"The pre-season has been very intense and tough compared to what I've been used to.

"But it's been good and with a good bunch of lads. There is plenty of competition but hopefully I can edge my way in and see what happens."