Northampton Saints have made a significant addition to their squad by signing French fly-half Anthony Belleau from Clermont Auvergne. The 29-year-old, who last represented France in the 2019 Six Nations, will join the Saints next season to strengthen their fly-half options alongside England’s Fin Smith.

Belleau, who has made 81 appearances for Clermont since joining from Toulon in 2022, brings a wealth of experience from France’s Top 14 league. Saints’ director of rugby, Phil Dowson, praised Belleau as a "very intelligent" player, highlighting his ability to bring the "personality and flair" that French players are known for.

"Anthony is an international, high-quality player who has played a lot of rugby both at Toulon and Clermont," Dowson said. "He is somebody who is looking for a change of environment, to try his hand in a different league in a foreign country, and we're excited to get him to Northampton."

Belleau, who has made 160 appearances in France’s top flight, expressed his excitement about joining the Saints, who are bound for the European Champions Cup final. He described Northampton’s "fast style of rugby" as something that "really appeals" to him.

"I've always had it in my mind that gaining experience outside of France was something I wanted to try," Belleau said. "I play in the Top14 – which is a tough competition – but I follow rugby everywhere in the world, and I'm excited to play in a league like the Premiership."

This move marks a new chapter for Belleau, who has spent a decade in French rugby, and it signals Northampton’s ambition to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.