22 year-old Diggin, a graduate of the Saints Senior Academy, has signed a one-year extension to his existing contract. This will start from the beginning of next season (2007/08).

Northampton born and bred Diggin made his Saints debut against Sale in February 2004 aged only 19. Following three years in the Saints academy he was awarded a first-team contract at the end of last season.

He has scored six tries in his 31 appearances. Four of them have come in this season’s Heineken Cup campaign and Diggin received good reviews for his sterling performance in the quarter final victory in San Sebastian. Like the majority of this season, this was from full-back, although he also plays on the wing.

“I’m really pleased to be staying at my home-town club,” said Diggin. “I grew up watching the Saints and feel very much at home at Franklin’s Gardens.

“We’ve got a great squad with some great players and I’m looking forward to another year in the Premiership.”

“Paul’s contract extension is great for him and for us,” said head coach Paul Grayson. “It’s a reflection of the hard work he’s put in through the season. He’s grown up a lot over the past couple of years and this is reflected in his performances on the pitch.”

Alex Rae will be at the heart of the Saints action for the next two years

Rae has signed a two-year contract beginning in the summer. It rewards two years of consistent performance in the Senior Academy from the back-rower, who can also play lock.

21 year-old Rae came to Franklin’s Gardens in summer 2005 from Worcester Warriors. After impressing in that year’s pre-season matches in Limerick and Dublin he was handed his GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP debut against Leicester Tigers on the opening day of the season.

This season he played in the Travis Perkins Club v Country Challenge against Argentina and in the GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP against Harlequins. He has also featured regularly for the Wanderers in the Guinness ‘A’ League in his time at the club.

“Obviously I’m delighted to be staying,” said Rae. “I’m looking forward to kicking on with my development, playing games and improving my all-round play. It’s a good family environment here at the Saints and even though we haven’t had the best of seasons I want to be a part of putting the club back at the top of English rugby.”

“That Alex has remained in the Academy during these past two seasons is no reflection on his ability,” said Grayson. “He has impressed me whenever he’s been given a chance in the first team. It’s just that some people are late developers in a physical sense and Alex is one of those.

“But he has worked extremely hard this season in the gym and is now in a position to bring his skills to the fore in the first team squad.”