Murray signs new Saints contract

Murray has scored two tries in his 32 Northampton appearances

Scotland prop Euan Murray has agreed a new contract with Northampton Saints which will keep him at Franklin's Gardens until at least 2012.

The 28-year-old tight-head, who joined the Saints last season, is being strongly tipped for a place on this summer's Lions tour to South Africa.

Murray said: "There's plenty of rugby to be played this season and I don't look too far ahead.

"But I'm delighted to have signed a new contract at Northampton," he added.

"It's a tremendous club and I've thoroughly enjoyed my 18 months at the Gardens so far.

"Jim Mallinder is putting together a squad and a culture that I'm sure will be successful in the future, and I want to be part of that.

"The Guinness Premiership is a very tough competition and I've learned a lot during my time in England."

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Murray signs new Saints contract
">With French and Scottish clubs looking to sign him, it was somewhat of a coup for Saints to hold onto him

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Murray has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Northampton this season, despite his international commitments, and is a firm favourite with the club's fans.

"I'm extremely delighted that Euan has agreed a new contract with us," said Saints director of rugby, Jim Mallinder.

"International class tight-head props are few and far between, and he's a player that certainly falls into that category.

"He has shown throughout the season that he's a key member of our squad, and someone we can build a successful team around.

"At 28 he is still relatively young for a prop and I'm looking forward to watching his further development at first hand."

Murray has scored two tries for Saints, one on his debut and the other in the East Midlands derby at Leicester Tigers earlier this season, and has crossed the line twice, against France and Ireland, in 26 outings for Scotland.