Northampton sign Wales star Morris

Northampton have signed former Wales prop Darren Morris until the end of this season.

Saints have swooped for 35-year-old Morris following a career-ending injury suffered by their Argentinian international front-row forward Santiago Bonorino.

Bonorino, 34, has retired with immediate effect due to a back problem. He joined Northampton from their Guinness Premiership rivals Leicester last summer.

Morris, most recently with Cardiff Blues, has made more than 100 Premiership appearances for Leicester and Worcester.

Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder said: "Santiago has been a good person to have around the squad.

"I would like to thank him for what he has brought to the club and wish him all the best in the future."

As for Morris' capture, Mallinder added: "Darren is another prop with considerable experience of Premiership, European and international rugby.

"He can also play on both sides of the scrum, which is an excellent ability to have.

"We are going into a crucial part of the season, and with Euan Murray possibly going away with Scotland for the Six Nations we had no second thoughts about bringing Darren in to give more competition to our props."

Elsewhere, the Gloucester trio of fly-half Freddie Burns, wing Charlie Sharples and centre Henry Trinder have all signed two-year contract extensions with the Guinness Premiership club, securing their futures at Kingsholm until at least 2012.