Dylan Hartley will once again lead the Saints from the front row

Northampton Saints have confirmed Dylan Hartley will remain as club captain for the new season.

The 24-year-old England hooker took over the skipper's role last season, leading them to a second-placed finish in the Premiership.

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder told the club's website: "We had no hesitation in giving him the role for this season.

"Dylan has grown into the captaincy over the past year."

New Zealand-born Hartley, who has won 19 England caps, signed a new contract with Northampton in February.

The hooker, who became the youngest club captain in the history of Premiership rugby, will lead the Saints in their final pre-season friendly against Italian side Aironi Viadana on Friday.

Mallinder insists the Italians will give his side a stiff test.

"Aironi have brought in a lot of quality players who have plenty of experience," he said.

"They are at the end of their own pre-season and are going into a tough Magners League and Heineken Cup campaign of their own."

The Saints start the Premiership season with a mouth-watering home match against champions and local rivals Leicester Tigers on Sunday, 5 September.

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