Dickson extends Northampton stay

Northampton scrum-half Lee Dickson has signed a two-year contract extension with this season’s Heineken Cup finalists.

Dickson, whose existing Saints deal had a year left to run, has committed his future at Franklin’s Gardens until at least 2014. He joined Northampton from Newcastle three years ago.

The 26-year-old has proved an integral part of Northampton’s bid for Heineken Cup and Aviva Premiership success this season, maintaining the form that saw him gain England Saxons selection last summer.

Dickson said: “I am lucky to be a part of a club that is going places, and it has been really enjoyable to be a part of something that is getting better every season.

“I haven’t been surprised by how far we’ve come in the past three years. A special group of guys have been brought together at Franklin’s Gardens.”

Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder added: “Over the last three years, Lee has shown time and again how important he is to the team.

“From the coaches’ point of view, it is important that we are keeping our core group of players together.”