Northampton fly-half Stephen Myler has agreed a new deal to keep him at the Saints until the end of 2011.
Fly-half agrees new deal at Franklin's Gardens
Northampton fly-half Stephen Myler has agreed a new deal to keep him at the Saints until the end of 2011.
The 24-year-old arrived at Franklin's Gardens in 2006 after switching codes from rugby league outfit Salford City Reds - and he has quickly become a key player at the Saints.
And Myler, who passed 50 appearances for the club in November's clash with Bath, is pleased to be remaining with the Saints.
"I'm delighted to have signed again with the club," he said.
"We've taken massive steps this year to where I want to be aiming personally and we've got the coaching staff and everything we need at the club to go places, and that's what I'm looking forward to hopefully contributing towards.
"In the long term the year in National League One will have done me the world of good, having been able to learn the game and come together as a squad without that pressure of Guinness Premiership rugby. I certainly feel comfortable now with rugby union. It's my game now and hopefully that will show in my performances.
"Our focus is on improving as individuals and as a team. There is a lot of talent at Northampton and if we can keep the nucleus of the squad together we can build a successful team. That is something that I hope I'll be a part of."
Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder is pleased with the way Myler has developed since switching form the 13-a-side code.
"Stephen is an outstanding young English player who is developing with every game he plays," Mallinder said.
"His game management is excellent and it is sometimes easy to forget that he has still played relatively few games of rugby union. Rugby league players have sometimes found it hard to come to terms with the playmaking positions in union but Stephen has adapted very well.
"He has worked closely with Paul Grayson over the past few years to enhance his game understanding and is always keen to learn more.
"He is also a very level-headed young man who I am sure will be a key member of the Northampton Saints squad for years to come."
