Northampton have signed veteran Hong Kong international Vaughan Going after Bristol agreed to his release.
The versatile back, who joined Bristol from French club Beziers in June 2005 after spending four years with Sale, will bolster a squad which has been weakened by injuries to Jon Clarke and Bruce Reihana.
Northampton head coach Paul Grayson said: "Vaughan is an experienced player who still has a lot of talent and will be a real role model for some of our up-and-coming young players. He will provide cover in our depleted backline now and in the nottoo-distant future."
Going, 34, leaves with Bristol coach Richard Hill saying: "At this stage of his career, Vaughan wants to be playing regular first-team rugby and, unfortunately, we cannot provide that for him, so we are comfortable releasing him."
