Northampton Saints coach Alan Dickens has admitted that he is "really pleased" to have seen four leading names sign new deals at Franklin's Gardens.

Stephen Myler, George Pisi, Tom Stephenson and James Wilson all committed their futures to the club yesterday, joining the seven forwards who did likewise last weekend.

"We're really pleased," Dickens is quoted as saying by Northants Herald & Post. "People like George Pisi, who has been a valuable asset to the club since he's arrived, not just on the pitch but in and around the club, is one of the nicest blokes I've ever come across.

"We've been through some tough times previous to last season. We lost the year before to Leicester in the final, and the Heineken Cup final springs to mind but I think last year was just reward for where we've come as a squad and I think the players see that and want to be part of that."

Northampton, who take on Harlequins on Saturday, currently lead the way in the Aviva Premiership standings.