Hartley has risen through the ranks after joining Northampton in 2005

England hooker Dylan Hartley has become the 10th player to agree a new contract with Northampton Saints.

The 23-year-old New Zealand-born forward made his debut for Northampton as a teenager in 2005 and was appointed club captain for the current season.

Hartley said: "Saints have supported me, stood by me and helped me grow up.

"Captaining this club makes me prouder than I can possibly explain so there was never any danger of me not re-signing," he added.

"It's incredibly important for my development that I spend the next few years playing for a serious rugby-town team, run by top coaches, challenging for domestic silverware and playing regular Heineken Cup rugby.

DYLAN HARTLEY TIMELINE 1986 - Born in New Zealand 2005 - Northampton Saints debut 2007 - Six-month ban for eye gouging 2008 - Made his England debut 2009 - Named Northampton captain

"This is a really exciting place to be right now.

"The club is on the verge of very big things and I think my role going forward is pretty clear - keep learning, keep improving, keep performing, keep winning, keep doing my best to lead by example and keep rewarding the faith shown in me by my coaches."

Hartley made his 100th appearance for the Saints in the Heineken Cup trip to Treviso last December, and director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "Dylan has concentrated hard on all aspects of his game and has developed very well as a player.

"He has been a good captain for the team this year, on and off the field. He's taken to the role very well and I'm delighted he's staying with us."

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