FLY half Stephen Myler has signed for London Irish ahead of the 2018/19 season.

The third highest points scorer – having racked up 1,697 – has played more than 300 times for Saints, including a man-of-the-match display in the dramatic 2014 Aviva Premiership final triumph over Saracens.

The 33-year-old said: “I’m delighted to join London Irish, a club that is steeped in history and tradition and has the ambition to be back among the leading clubs in the Premiership.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northampton Saints and I’ve made friends for life, but the time is right for me to now embark on a fresh new challenge with London Irish.

“Everything about London Irish has impressed me and I’m looking forward to joining up with my new teammates for pre-season as we look to make an immediate return to the Premiership.”

Declan Kidney, Exiles’ technical consultant added: “Stephen is a player who possesses a vast amount of experience, which will be important for us next season.

“He’s shown throughout his time at Northampton that he has composure during the big occasions and his influence around the training ground will help the younger lads coming through the ranks.”

Myler is joined at Irish next season by fellow former Saint, centre Tom Stephenson, and Ealing Trailfinders lock Barney Maddison. 

However, there is still expected to be a number of departures from Exiles.

Alex Lewington and Tom Woolstencroft have already joined Saracens, while Double World Cup-winner Ben Franks is going to Northampton.

Joe Cokanasiga has been strongly linked with Bath, while Johnny Williams, James Marshall, Aseli Tikoirotuma and South African pair Arno Botha and Piet van Zyl are also expected to move on.