Aviva Premiership: Northampton Saints re-sign Stephen Myler and George Pisi
Wednesday 24 December 2014 17:10, UK
Northampton Saints have stemmed a recent player exodus to France by securing England fly-half Stephen Myler and George Pisi on new Franklin's Gardens contracts.
The signings come in the wake of Samu Manoa and Salesi Ma'afu agreeing to join Toulon this summer.
The Saints fended off competition to retain Myler and Samoa centre Pisi, and backs Tom Stephenson and James Wilson have also completed new deals.
Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley rejected overtures from France, with Hartley tempted by a big-money offer from Montpellier before committing his future to Saints, while New Zealand centre Glenn Dickson has left.
Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder said he was relieved to retain his backline mainstays.
"We're delighted that all four of these players have decided to stay with us and continue their career at the Saints," said Mallinder.
"They are all quality players who have shown time and again that they have the ability and composure to compete at the highest level of the sport, and they will remain important members of the squad for years to come."
Former St Helens and Widnes rugby league star Myler switched codes to join Northampton in 2006 and his composed goal-kicking and tactical play proved integral to Saints' title triumph last season.
Former Auckland Blues and Clermont centre Pisi had drawn widespread interest from France's top clubs, so Northampton will view his retention as a mini-coup.
The 28-year-old has excelled in his four years in the Premiership, with 24 tries in 88 appearances.
