Mallinder had previously dismissed links with an England job

Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder has committed his future to the Premiership club by signing a new three-year contract.

The deal will keep the former England Saxons coach at Franklin's Gardens until the end of the 2010/11 season.

It also ends speculation linking him with a possible coaching role in Martin Johnson's England set-up.

Mallinder joined Saints 12 months ago and led them to an immediate return to the top-flight.

"I've enjoyed my return to a club environment immensely and am settled at Franklin's Gardens. We had success last season but the hard work starts here," he said.

"It's going to be a long journey with plenty of challenges in the toughest league in the world. Nevertheless it is something that I am looking forward to along with everyone at the club."

606: DEBATE How big a boost is Mallinder's decision to sign a new deal?

Mallinder completed a double with Northampton last season when he steered them to the National One title, with a 100% win record, and the EDF Trophy.

Before that he spent 15 years as a player and coach at Sale where he won the 2002 Parker Pen Shield and finished second in the Premiership.

But it was his Grand Slam win with the England Under-21s in 2006 and Churchill Cup win with the Saxons the following year that lead to his initial recruitment with the Saints and subsequent speculation that he could leave to join England.

In addition the Rugby Football Union only agreed to release Mallinder to Northampton by including a clause in the deal that they could contact him if the England head coach role came up in the future.

But his decision to stay at Franklin's Gardens indicates England will now have to look elsewhere for their new coaching staff.