Major League Rugby side Rugby United New York are due to announce the signing of Ben Foden on a two-year deal.

The move had been previously mooted at the end of the Premiership season when Foden, who turns 33 on Sunday, was leaving his long term club Northampton Saints. Telegraph Sport can reveal that confirmation of the deal is imminent.

Rugby United New York’s owner James Kennedy speaking to Telegraph Sport said: "Ben is about to sign for us, he is great player, he is a good ambassador for the game. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to get a top player in our squad.”

Kennedy, originally from Ireland has lived in New York for almost 20 years and his business interests previously have been mainly in construction management. Foden, who was capped 34 times for England has already visited New York, meeting with director of rugby James English and future team-mates.

Foden will be centrally contracted by Major League Rugby and as well as playing for the club. Kennedy says the full-back, who began his professional career as a scrum half at Sale, will also be helping with backs coaching and acting in an ambassadorial capacity.

It would seem former Northampton team-mate Alex Corbisiero, who has been based in his native New York working as a television rugby pundit since his retirement, was instrumental in making the introduction between Foden and Rugby United New York.