The 32-year-old is the current longest serving Saints player having played 251 games for the first team. He also holds the Saints’ record for the number of appearances in the Premiership – 133 – and is the current record try-scorer among the forwards with 61.

Seely is a product of Saints’ youth system having been spotted at Aylesbury RFC as a teenager. He has since gone on to play for England A and sevens, and played in an uncapped England test against the Barbarians.

Academy director James Sinclair said: “As part of our succession plan, it is very important that we identify senior players who have the potential to develop as coaches. The long-term development of the Academy relies not only on technical expertise but on preserving Northampton's history, culture and values. Grant, through his loyalty to the club, provides an excellent example to the next generation of Saints. He has vast experience as a player and knows what it takes, and just as importantly, what it means to wear the black, green and gold. 

Seely, who is currently celebrating his testimonial year, also studied throughout the majority of his playing career, culminating in a business studies degree from University College Northampton in 2003.

He said: “I am delighted to be staying at the Saints which has been a huge part of my life for the last 15 years. I am looking forward to a fresh set of challenges in the Academy and being part of a vital team within the club.

“The Saints Academy is committed to developing its players from around the town and region and is ambitious to develop a core group of young players that will challenge for silverware during the next five years. It will be a unique experience and I cannot wait to be a part of it."