SAINTS have signed Wigan's Grand Final winning scrum half Matty Smith on a three-year contract.

The former Moss Bank Bulldogs number seven returns to his hometown club after a four-and-half year stint at rivals the Warriors.

While at the DW Stadium he earned four England caps, was awarded the Lance Todd Trophy in Wigan's Challenge Cup win over Hull in 2013 and has twice won Grand Finals - in 2013 and 2016..

Prior to that Smith, who started his career at his hometown Saints, had spells with Salford and Widnes.

He returns home to replace Australian scrum half Luke Walsh.

Smith said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be back at my hometown team.

“It should be a seamless transition as I have come through the system at Saints and know the key staff and players as well as the club’s culture.

“I am committed to bringing silverware back to the club and look forward to helping the younger players develop.”

This is Smith's second spell at the club after he originally made his debut for Saints in 2006.

He moved to Widnes on loan in 2008 and then Salford, but was recalled by the Saints to play in the 2010 Grand Final run in.

Smith signed for Salford in 2010 but halfway through 2012 moved to Wigan – just a couple of days after playing for England against the Exiles.

Coach Keiron Cunningham said: “I’m delighted to have secured the services of Matty. He a class scrum half who possesses a fantastic kicking and passing game as well as being an accomplished goal kicker.

“He has excellent leadership qualities and composure in big games after having experienced several over the course of his career.

“Having come through the system here he understands the club’s ethos and culture and has had a lot of success at the Warriors.

“This is a perfect opportunity for us to bring his experience and professionalism to the Saints to not only guide the side around the park but help nurture the youngsters we have here.

“His partnership with Theo Fages will be an exciting one to watch.”

Smith joins Luke Douglas and Ryan Morgan in putting pen to paper for 2017 and beyond at the club.

The 29-year-old has also played four times for England – in the 2014 Four Nations and 2015 Test Match series against New Zealand – and been named in the Dream Team twice.