TRANSFER WRAP
By STEVE RIGBY
NORTHAMPTON Saints have signed Auckland Blues’ highly-rated playmaker Piers Francis for next season.
Francis, 26, originally from Gravesend in Kent, moved to New Zealand in 2015 after a spell with Edinburgh, and has been excelling for Tana Umaga’s team at fly-half and inside centre.
Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder said: “Piers is a player who has been very impressive over the past couple of years.
“He is a very good playmaker who is comfortable with ball in hand but who can also control a match with his kicking game.
“He has all...