Clarke has been a member of the Saints first team squad for three seasons, having previously been a member of the Saints Academy. Originally a full-back and winger, he was switched to outside centre for the 2005/06 season, a transition that saw him receive rave reviews for a string of good performances.

The contract supersedes Clarke’s existing deal which had one more season to run. He has played 55 times for the Saints, scoring 14 tries.

His seven-month absence from the Saints backline – following an ankle injury sustained half-an-hour into the opening GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP match against Newcastle – was followed by a try-scoring return in the Guinness ‘A’ League in April.

He ended the season by playing in Saints’ final two Premiership matches as well as the Heineken Cup semi-final against London Wasps.

“I’m really happy to have signed this contract with the Saints,” said Clarke. “Obviously it was a hard season for me after the injury and not being able to help the lads on the field. But the club stood by me and the medical team were brilliant throughout my rehab.

“I’m looking forward to helping get Saints back to the Premiership at the first attempt and then to the top of English rugby.”

“Jon’s absence left a massive gap last season,” said Saints’ chief executive Allan Robson. “He had a brilliant year in 2005/06 and was rightly tipped for international honours. He’s one of the core players within our squad and I’m delighted that he’s committed himself to the club for the next three years.”