Trowbridge-born hooker Richmond has been involved with Saints since 1998 when he moved to Northampton from Bath Rugby’s youth set-up. He made his debut for the club against Birmingham Solihull in the sixth round of the Tetley’s Bitter Cup in the 2000/01 season. Since then, he has clocked up 89 appearances and scored five tries.

Flanker/No 8 Mark Soden also began life in the Academy in the same year as Richmond by shunning his Leicester birthplace to join Saints. The former England U21s captain made his debut against Leeds Tykes, also during the 2000/01 season and also in the Tetley’s Bitter Cup. Soden has played in 88 games for the club and scored five tries.

Mark Soden

Head coach Budge Pountney said: “Both Dan and Mark are important to the development of this team. They have both been heavily involved and have played extremely well.

“Dan is a very driven man that always performs for our club. We have given him a clean licence to become a senior member of this squad, something that he has taken to very well and does not appear to be affecting his game in any way. We are very pleased he has decided to remain with us for another two years.

“Mark has had some outstanding performances this year for Saints, traditionally using his head as a battering ram. He is becoming a very consistent performer for us and at the age of only 24 he has plenty of developing to do.”  

Richmond, whose fiancée Katherine designs and makes jewellery for the club, said: “My fiancée and I have really settled in Northamptonshire and we are enjoying living here, so it’s great that I have been offered a contract for the next two years. I would also like to use this next stage of my career to take more responsibility within the squad. I would also like to get more involved with coaching in local schools and rugby clubs as well as helping where I can with the Academy.      
 
Soden said: “I am delighted to be staying with the club for another two years. I have been here for six years now and I should get my 100th cap next year. I cannot imagine playing for any other team.”