The news follows the recent re-signing of a host of Kingsholm stars including Akapusi Qera and Olly Morgan and the announcement that Sir Ian McGeechan is to join the club as an 'advisor'.

Redpath moved to Kingsholm from Sale Sharks as backs coach in 2007 before taking on the role of Head Coach in June 2009 following the departure of Dean Ryan. He acknowledged that his first season in charge has not always been plain sailing but that he is convinced that things are heading in the right direction:

"We've had a lot of challenges thrown at us this season, from injuries to suspensions and we've been a bit unlucky to be on the wrong end of a few results," he said. "However, we have a long term vision here at the club and we're striving to put the pieces in place to give Gloucester Rugby the best possible chance of long term success."

"I truly believe that we're moving in the right direction and the players who have signed new contracts recently obviously feel that way too. I can now focus on the job in hand and I'm very happy to have signed on the dotted line because it's a great set up here at Gloucester."

""The coaches have built a squad that can compete in every competition and we are in the running for all three competitions," he said. "We've also got stability, which has been much needed. There have definitely been some good times and some bad times since I've been at the club but we're in the top four of the Guinness Premiership and in the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup. Hopefully we can kick on now, and not be looking over our shoulders."

Direcotr of rugby Jim Mallinder welcomed the news, declaring, "Paul is a determined player who gives a hundred percent for the team. Northampton is his home-town club and it is obvious how much he enjoys playing in the first team. Over the past two years he has shown that he knows the way to the try line, and having players like him around helps keep the standards in the squad high. We are happy that he is staying at the club."

Coach Ian Foster said today that Lauaki's arm had to be drained yesterday and, while he was feeling better, he would not be ready to face the Sharks. Lauaki was himself named as replacement skipper last month after fullback Mils Muliaina, who led the Chiefs to the final last year, was given the first three rounds off.

"The team has enjoyed its week in Durban after getting over the travel and acclimatising to the conditions," Foster said. "We understand some of the difficulties of the hot, humid conditions but are now just keen to get on to the field."