Published Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Wilson made his Ulster debut in September 2003 against the Ospreys and was their Player of the Year in 2007.
"I was born and raised there, learnt my rugby there and at the end of the day it is home. I'm delighted to be coming back," he explained.
Ulster's Director of Rugby David Humphreys said that, while the back row is already a competitive area, the addition of Wilson to the squad will provide extra depth.
"He displays all the physical attributes necessary for a top-class No. 8 and is an incredibly consistent performer," he added.
"He's currently playing the best rugby of his career and we're delighted that he has decided to return to Ulster next season and to commit his long term future to the club."
Northampton are a quality team and have an excellent set-up at the club, but I suppose it was always in the back of my mind that I would like to finish my career at Ulster.
Roger Wilson
Wilson moved to Northampton in the summer of 2008 and has consistently been part of the Premiership side's matchday XV, where he has collected winner's medals from both the European Challenge Cup and the LV Cup.
The 30-year-old, who appeared over 100 times for Northampton and was one of the club's most consistent performers, has also been capped at A International level and has one senior cap won on Ireland's 2005 tour to Japan.
"I've really enjoyed my time at Northampton and the club have been very good to me," he said.
"Dorian West is an excellent forwards coach, Jim Mallinder's knowledge of the game is outstanding and I'd like to think that I've learnt a lot from them over the last four years and I can add that experience to Ulster.
"The last couple of seasons have shown that Ulster are a club that can compete and compete to win things - they're now considered one of the top European teams and that they're genuine contenders for silverware."
During his time at Northampton, Wilson met his former team just once - in last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final at the Stadium:MK - and admits it was a day of mixed feelings.
"It was a strange day, I wouldn't particularly describe it as enjoyable," he added.
"After the whistle went it was great to catch up with the Ulster boys, but I had mixed feeling.
"I certainly wanted to do my best and give 110% for Northampton but, given that during my time with Ulster we'd been striving to reach the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup, I suppose there was a little bit of envy on my part that I wasn't part of the Ulster squad on the day."