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Hartley re-signs with Saints

Dylan Hartley has signed a new deal with Northampton © Getty Images

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Northampton skipper Dylan Hartley has signed a new contract with the Guinness Premiership club.

The 23-year-old hooker has established himself as Martin Johnson's first choice for the No. 2 jersey this season, starting both of England's Six Nations encounters against Wales and Italy. Hartley is currently playing the best rugby of his career, and he insisted there was never any doubt in his mind about extending his stay at Franklin's Gardens.

"Captaining this club makes me prouder than I can possibly explain, so there was never any danger of me not re-signing," he said. "Saints have supported me, stood by me, helped me to grow up and [director of rugby] Jim Mallinder and [coach] Dorian West very publicly put a huge amount of faith in me by making me the captain of the club. I want to repay that trust and support."

Meanwhile, Leicester have confirmed the signing of Crusaders back-row Thomas Waldrom. Waldrom, 26, will link up with the Tigers following the end of the Super 14 season.

"I am really looking forward to joining the Tigers after my commitments with the Crusaders in the Super 14 are over," he said. "While the results and trophy cabinet speak for themselves, everyone I have spoken to can't speak highly enough about the structures, coaching and facilities in Leicester. Knowing that people I trust viewed the club in that light made my decision so much easier."

And at Sixways, Andy Goode will return to the Guinness Premiership next season with Worcester Warriors. The England fly-half, 29, is currently in South Africa after agreeing a short-term deal with the Sharks Super 14 franchise, having been granted permission by Top 14 side Brive.

Goode, who is set to make his Super 14 debut from the bench against the Crusaders this weekend, joins back-rowers Adam Balding and Neil Best in bolstering the Warriors' stocks for next season. The former Leicester pivot has notched 1,484 points in his Premiership career and will fill a problem position for Worcester.

"We're delighted to announce we've signed Andy Goode," director of rugby Mike Ruddock said. "I believe that Andy's pedigree is without question and he has been one of English rugby's top performers over the last decade with England, Leicester Tigers and most recently Brive."

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