With Downey in the number 12 shirt at the start of 2008 the Saints defence had its most frugal month of the season in conceding only one try in five matches.
Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder is delighted that Downey has signed on again.
“James has become an integral part of our team this season,” he said. “Defensively he is outstanding and he puts in some massive hits. But going forward also suits James. His distribution and handling are excellent and he has scored some useful tries. He is one of the unsung members of the squad and I am very happy that he has committed himself to Northampton Saints for a further two years.”
“I’d always wanted to play for such a club with a great crowd behind us,” said Downey. “I’ve also wanted to play in the Premiership and hopefully with the Saints I’ll be able to do that if we go up this season.
“The coaches have been a breath of fresh air and Jim, Dorian and Paul have helped my game and let me know what they expect. We have some top-class players and I’m sure that in the next few years we can get the Saints back to where they belong.”