23-year-old Diggin, born and bred in Northampton, made his first team debut against Sale in February 2004 while still in the Saints Senior Academy. In 2004/05 he had an eye-catching performance against the same opposition and went on to be selected in the England Under-21 squad for the World Championships in Argentina. He joined the first team squad in 2005/06 and has gone on to make over 50 appearances in the black, green and gold.

Last season he scored four tries in the run to the Heineken Cup semi-finals and in the current campaign he has become one of the leading try scorers in National League One with 13 and became the first ever Saint to score five tries in one league match against Sedgley Park in January.

"Playing for the Saints means everything to me," said Diggin. "It's my hometown club and the only place I've ever wanted to play. I'm really happy at the club and the team and coaches are excellent. I've scored tries, but that is a reflection on how the team have played. The forwards have played well and created space for the backs to finish the job.

"We have a winning attitude and with the good new signings adding to the talent we already have the future looks good."

"Paul has proved his value to the squad this season," said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder. "He works hard on and off the pitch and has scored some good tries. He also takes great pride in being part of the club and this is another important quality in the players we want here at the Saints. He is still young and has a lot to learn but Paul will be an asset to the squad over the next few years."