Grayson was drafted into the coaching team following the departure of Alan Solomons in November 2004. Together, Grayson and fellow former player Budge Pountney managed to steer Saints away from relegation, but this season saw a change in their roles.

Pountney became director of rugby to deal with the administration involved in a top flight rugby club and Grayson took the lead in terms of coaching following his retirement from the game.

Saints chairman Keith Barwell said: “We are delighted Paul will remain with us for the next five years. He is still developing as a coach but the board is more than happy with his progress. He is totally committed to Saints, a club he has already served for 13 years, and shares the same desire for silverware and quality rugby that the board, players and supporters do.”

Grayson said: “I am obviously very pleased to be making this long-term commitment to Northampton Saints. It is a statement from the board in terms of the direction it wants the club to move in and I am honoured they have bestowed that responsibility on me. This is one of the great clubs of the modern era with a proud tradition, some of the most hard-working players and staff I have ever worked with and a great set of supporters, which all makes me extremely proud to be a part of this next stage of Saints' history.”