Courtney Lawes pens new deal with Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have confirmed that England international Courtney Lawes has penned a new deal that will keep him with the Gallagher Premiership until 2021.

A product of Northampton Academy, Lawes made his senior debut in 2007 and has racked up over 200 appearances for the Franklin's Gardens outfit since then. He is also the second longest serving player for the club.

The 29-year-old was also part of the England Under 20 squad that reached the final in the Junior World Cup in 2009 and his performance was rewarded with the national selection as he made his debut for the red rose team against Australia at Twickenham that year/

Lawes went on to feature in 67 Tests including two for the British and Irish Lions in last year's tour of New Zealand.

“Northampton is my only club and Franklin’s Gardens is home; I was raised just down the road and the Club has always meant an enormous amount to me," Lawes said.

“The environment Chris and the other coaches have been building over the past few months is incredibly positive and something I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part of.”

“I’ve still got a lot to give to Saints and I’m excited to see what this squad can achieve together.”

Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd expressed delight on the news and lavished praise on Lawes.

“We are delighted that Courtney will play his rugby at Franklin’s Gardens for at least the next two seasons,” Boyd commented.

“The phrase ‘world class’ gets thrown around a lot in rugby but Courtney’s ability is nothing short of that.

“Saints have a proud history of producing and retaining home-grown talent in Northampton and Courtney is a prime example.

“Building and evolving the playing squad is a real focus for the Club – we want to have a combination of talented youngsters together with world-class players, and Courtney’s contract extension is evidence of us beginning to implement that strategy.”