Sharman is understudy to Saints captain Dylan Hartley at hooker

Northampton Saints hooker Brett Sharman has secured his future at the club by agreeing a new deal.

The 23-year-old joined the Saints from South African outfit Blue Bulls in November 2008.

Sharman told the club's website: "I've definitely achieved more here and I'm never going to have any regrets when I look back.

"Going up against Dylan Hartley, the best player in his position in the country, is a good benchmark."

Sharman made his first team debut in January 2009 and went on to make 11 appearances in the remainder of the campaign, including the semi-final and final of the European Challenge Cup.

This season he has made three starts in the Saints' run to the LV= Cup semi-finals.

As he gets more experience in the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup under his belt he will only get better Saints director Jim Mallinder

"Me and Dorian looked at my throwing before the season and I've changed my whole set up," added Sharman.

"We go through things that can improve and work on new techniques so Northampton is like a school of learning for me at the moment.

"I'm learning a lot from Dylan, both in scrums, line-outs and in general play.

"I picked up a lot of pace in the pre-season so I'm trying to get into good positions to make that work.

"Learning under a great player and a great ex-player is making me the best I can be."

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "Brett has worked very hard on all aspects of his game with Dorian West.

"At just 23, he is still young in terms of front row forwards and as he gets more experience in the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup under his belt he will only get better."

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