Friday 21 July 2017 08:28, UK
England captain Dylan Hartley has signed a new contract with Northampton Saints, the club have announced.
The 31-year old, who has made 229 appearances during his 12 years at Franklin's Gardens, has also been appointed captain for the Premiership side's 2017-18 season.
Hartley's contact was set to expire in 2018 but the hooker was quick to put pen to paper on a new deal.
"It was an easy decision to commit my long-term playing future to Northampton Saints," Hartley told the official club website.
"After completing my 11th year at Franklin's Gardens last season I was delighted when the club suggested extending my time here. I'm very proud to be offered an opportunity to continue playing and being part of such a great club."
The contract extension marks the second time Hartley has been handed the club's captain armband following a six-year spell in 2009-15, which saw the Saints win the Aviva Premiership, Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup, before he was replaced by Lee Dickson.
"When Jim approached me about taking on the captaincy I was surprised. For me the timing is right and it is certainly a challenge I want to take on," he added.
"I'm very passionate about the Saints and would love to see us competing for trophies. We have some valuable experience within the squad that will be driving the team forward this year."
Northampton finished seventh in last season's Premiership but with the services of Hartley now secured, director of rugby Jim Mallinder is confident the club will return to winning more major trophies.
"Dylan has rightly received recognition as a superb captain for club and country," said Mallinder.
"He led the team during a very successful period for us, has the respect of the rest of the squad and coaches alike, and knows what it takes to win silverware."
