Mallinder pens new deal with Saints

Northampton Saints' Jim Mallinder has signed a new three-year deal which will keep him at the club until 2011.

Mallinder has been at Franklin's Gardens for a year during which his side remained unbeaten and guided the team back to the Guinness Premiership.

The former England Saxons coach is now looking forward to challenging the country's elite sides.

He said: "I've enjoyed my return to a club environment immensely and am settled.

"We had success last season but the hard work starts here. Northampton Saints is a massive club with tremendous supporters and hardworking staff and it deserves to be at the top of English rugby.

"However it's going to be a long journey with plenty of challenges in a league that is the toughest in the world. Nevertheless it is that something I am looking forward to, along with everybody at the club."

Allan Robson, Northampton's chief executive, added: "Everyone at the club is delighted with the way that Jim and his team have settled in so quickly and the board are very satisfied with the past season.

"Our new contract with Jim gives us the stability which is important to the club's development and which we believe will allow Northampton Saints to become a serious challenger in the Premiership and in Europe once again."

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