Dickens comes from a Northampton-supporting family (Getty)

Northampton Saints have signed experienced Saracens scrum-half Alan Dickens as they continue to rebuild for their Premiership return.

The 32-year-old joined Sarries in 2005, and has played 46 times for them.

He said: "Northampton was my dad's and my granddad's club and they will both have been proud to pull on the jersey."

The Saints have confirmed the departure of fellow scrum-half Johnny Howard, 27, to French club Bayonne after spending 10 years at Franklin's Gardens.

Alan is an impressive player who will bring plenty of good qualities to our squad Northampton boss Jim Mallinder

Howard made 114 appearances during his decade in the first-team squad. His last match was Saturday's EDF Energy National Trophy match against Exeter Chiefs and he thanked the club and their supporters.

"Saints have been a major part of my life for a long time. I have a lot of great memories of the club and its supporters which I will take with me."

The departure of Howard means Dickens will compete with Ben Foden and Lee Dickson for the number nine jersey.

"Alan is an impressive player who will bring plenty of good qualities to our squad," said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

Dickens said: "I worked with Jim Mallinder at Sale in my first year as a professional rugby player.

"I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to working with him again."