Lawes hailed as 'world class' as he pens new Northampton deal

Courtney Lawes has signed a contract extension with Northampton Saints.

Lawes is the club’s second-longest serving player having made his debut back in October 2007.

After reaching the Junior World Championship final with England under-20s in 2009, he would go on to make his senior debut in that year’s Autumn Internationals, and has since made 65 appearances for the Red Rose.

Following back-to-back Grand Slam triumphs with England, Lawes was named in the 2017 British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of New Zealand, where he made two Test appearances.

The Saints Academy graduate helped the men in Black, Green and Gold lift the LV= Cup in 2010 and the European Challenge Cup in 2011, before playing an integral role in both the 2014 Premiership and Challenge Cup victories.

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The 29-year-old home-grown lock has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him continue to play at Franklin’s Gardens for at least two more seasons.

And Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd is relishing the prospect of continuing to work with the towering lock.

“We are delighted that Courtney will play his rugby at Franklin’s Gardens for at least the next two seasons,” Boyd commented.

“The phrase ‘world class’ gets thrown around a lot in rugby but Courtney’s ability is nothing short of that.

“Saints have a proud history of producing and retaining home-grown talent in Northampton and Courtney is a prime example.

“Building and evolving the playing squad is a real focus for the Club – we want to have a combination of talented youngsters together with world-class players, and Courtney’s contract extension is evidence of us beginning to implement that strategy.”

Lawes, who will win his 213^th Club cap against Dragons in the European Challenge Cup tonight, said:

“Northampton is my only club and Franklin’s Gardens is home; I was raised just down the road and the Club has always meant an enormous amount to me.

“The environment Chris and the other coaches have been building over the past few months is incredibly positive and something I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part of.”

“I’ve still got a lot to give to Saints and I’m excited to see what this squad can achieve together.”