Aviva Premiership
Foden commits to Northampton
ESPNscrum Staff
October 20, 2011
England's Ben Foden evades the tackle of Nicolas Vergallo, Rugby World Cup, England v Argentina, Rugby World Cup, Otago Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand, September 10, 2011
Ben Foden failed to sparkle during the World Cup but his new deal is a coup for Northampton © Getty Images
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Northampton Saints have been boosted by the news that star fullback Ben Foden has penned a new deal with the club.

The England international still had a year to run on his existing deal with the Saints but has agreed an extension which will keep him at Franklin's Gardens until the end of the 2013-2014 campaign.

Foden, 25, has made 81 appearances since arriving in Northampton in the summer of 2008, scoring 20 tries as he has gone about proving himself one of the most exciting backs in Europe and he saw no reason to even consider a move away.

"I know this was where I want to be," he said. "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.

"We're a young squad and have got better and better each year. There are great things in the future of the club and hopefully I can be a part of that."

Unsurprisingly, Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder is delighted that he has managed to tie one of his most prized assets down to a new contract.

"Although Ben has developed enormously since coming to Franklin's Gardens we believe that the best is still to come," he said. "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 a tremendous attacker with ball in hand, but is also an excellent defender.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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