Mallinder pens Saints contract

Jim Mallinder has committed his future to Northampton Saints by signing a new long-term contract to stay on as director of rugby.

The English coach has been a revelation since taking over at Franklin Gardens five years ago, turning the Saints into one of the biggest forces in European rugby. As well as guiding Northampton into the play-offs for the last three seasons and reaching last year's Heineken Cup final Mallinder has also helped the club win four trophies. Mallinder's success meant the RFU took an interest in him when Martin Johnson stepped down as England coach, the 46-year-old remaining a contender to take over at Twickenham before Stuart Lancaster got the job. Having kept hold of Mallinder during England's hunt for a new coach Northampton have decided to reward their director of rugby with a new long-term contract. "I'm very happy at Northampton Saints," Mallinder told the club's official site. "We also have a talented group of coaches and support staff which is among the best in the league. We all want the club to improve year on year and are committed to working together to achieve that. "We have come a long way in a short period of time, but I know that there is more to come in the future. We have won silverware and played in some massive occasions, and this is where I know we can compete year in, year out, and regularly bring major trophies to the club."