Rugby: Bateman swaps Northampton for Neath

Wales centre Allan Bateman will leave Northampton at the end of this season after signing a two-year contract with his former club Neath.

The 36-year-old has agreed terms for a return to the Welsh domestic game, where he first made his name.

Bateman, who has racked up 30 Test caps, helped Northampton win the Heineken Cup last season.

He joined Saints from Richmond but is now set to wind up his career at Neath, who are currently battling for European qualification from the Welsh/Scottish League.

In a double coup for the Welsh All Blacks, flanker Brett Sinkinson has signed a new three-year deal.

New Zealand born Sinkinson's 14-cap Wales career came to an abrupt end a year ago when, together with full-back Shane Howarth, he was found to have no Welsh roots.

Sinkinson, though, will qualify to wear the red jersey on residency grounds later this year.

"This is a huge boost for the club in its attempts to return to its former glories," said Neath's Lyn Jones.

"These are two very experienced players who will play a big part in helping the younger generation of Neath players reach the pinnacle of their game."