Newcastle Falcons scrum-half Lee Dickson will join Northampton Saints at the end of the current season.

Dickosn is out of contract at Kingston park at the end of the campaign and acting director of rugby Steve Bates admitted the player’s chances at the club were limited.

“Lee was out of contract at the end of this season, and scrum half is a position in which we have a wealth of talent right now,” said Bates.

“In James Grindal and Hall Charlton we have two vastly experienced players, plus an outstanding prospect in Micky Young who is rapidly pushing his case for first team recognition on the back of some very strong performances for the Development Team.”

Dickson scored three tries for the Falcons in his 57 first team appearances, all coming in the European Challenge Cup, and has made nine Guinness Premiership starts this season.

Bates added: “I would like to thank Lee for the contribution he has made during his time at the club, and to wish him well for his future down at Northampton.”