Boyd signs contract extension at Saints

The Kiwi boss, who joined from the Hurricanes in the summer of 2018, will be staying at Franklin's Gardens until at least the end of the 2021/22 season.

Boyd steered Saints to a fourth place finish in the Gallagher Premiership during his first campaign at the club, as well as masterminding a Premiership Rugby Cup triumph and a run to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Last season started brightly, with Saints sitting top in December and booking their place in the Champions Cup last eight.

But things unravelled as they eventually lost that quarter-final at Exeter Chiefs and slid down to eighth in the final Premiership standings.

Boyd's third season at the club starts tonight as Saints travel to Sale Sharks for their Premiership opener.

And it has now been confirmed that he will be at the club beyond the conclusion of this campaign.

“In his first two seasons at Franklin’s Gardens, Chris has had a significant impact,” said Saints CEO Mark Darbon.

“Under his stewardship, alongside the excellent coaching team he has built, Saints have played some of the most exciting, free-flowing rugby in the Premiership – and we have shown that with a young group, on our day we are more than a match for anyone.

“I know he has not yet achieved the consistency of performance he is looking for, but he is bringing through a crop of players who we hope will guide Saints to success over the next decade, and we know this will come with time.

“But what strikes me most about Chris is the impact on and off the pitch he has had on the culture of our squad, coaches and indeed all the staff around the club.

"He is a fantastic leader and our squad would run through a brick wall for him, so we are delighted to keep him in Northampton for two more seasons at least.”