Ben Foden signs new contract at Northampton

England full-back Ben Foden has signed a new contract which will keep him at Northampton Saints until at least the summer of 2014.

Foden's previous deal was due to expire next year but the player, who joined the Franklin's Gardens club in 2008, has put pen to paper on a new deal.

The 25-year-old, who has established himself as England full-back, scored a try against Perpignan last season which took the Saints to the Heineken Cup final.

Foden said: "I know this is where I want to be.

"I've seen the club climb and achieve bigger things with every season. I was pretty quick in putting pen to paper and signing for two more years.

"We've strengthened the squad during the summer. We achieved some great things last year and reached a major final, although we came up just short. But I'm excited to be here and I'm looking forward to a long future here."

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder added: "Although Ben has developed enormously since coming to Franklin's Gardens we believe that the best is still to come.

"He is a level-headed young man who has repeatedly shown his commitment to the team and to the club, both on and off the field.

"He is the type of player who I am sure many coaches in Europe would like in their teams, and we are certainly very happy that he has decided that his future lies at Franklin's Gardens."

PA