Roger Wilson has over 100 appearances for the Saints to his name © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Roger Wilson

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership | RaboDirect PRO12

Teams: England | Ireland | Northampton Saints | Ulster

Ulster have confirmed that Northampton Saints' No.8 Roger Wilson will return to the province for the start of next season.

The 30-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the province with whom he started his professional career back in 2003. He spent five years at Ulster before moving to Northampton in time for the 2008-09 season and has been a key player in their back-row alongside the likes of Calum Clark, Tom Wood and Phil Dowson. With one cap to his name, Wilson will inevitably look to add to his tally upon arrival back at Ravenhill and he is looking forward to helping the side realise their goals of a European title.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Northampton and the club have been very good to me" Wilson said. "Dorian West is an excellent forwards coach, Jim Mallinder's knowledge of the game is outstanding and I'd like to think that I've learnt a lot from them over the last four years and I can add that experience to Ulster. Northampton are a quality team and have an excellent set-up at the club but I suppose it was always in the back of my mind that I would like to finish my career at Ulster. I was born and raised there, learnt my rugby there and at the end of the day it is home.

"I'm delighted to be coming back. The last couple of seasons have shown that Ulster are a club that can compete and compete to win things, they're now considered one of the top European teams and that they're genuine contenders for silverware."

And Ulster's director of rugby David Humphreys is looking forward to utilising Wilson's vast experience. Humphreys said: "While the back row is already a competitive area, the addition of Roger to the squad will provide us with the depth we need to ensure we are competitive in both the RaboDirect PRO12 and the Heineken Cup.

"He displays all the physical attributes necessary for a top-class No.8 and is an incredibly consistent performer. He's currently playing the best rugby of his career and we're delighted that he has decided to return to Ulster next season and to commit his long term future to the club."