British and Irish Lions

And Saints, this season's National League One champions, have also announced the arrival of Wales international front-row forward Ben Broster from Llanelli Scarlets.

Smith, 36, has committed himself to an eighth season at Franklin's Gardens after joining Northampton from French club Brive in 2001.

He said: "Staying at Northampton was an easy decision. It is a club where I have been for a long time, and a club for which I have a lot of affection."

Broster was capped twice on Wales' North America tour in 2005, and before joining Llanelli he featured for Saints' Premiership rivals Saracens.

Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder added: "The front-row is an area of the squad where you cannot have too much depth.

"Tom's quality was apparent throughout last season. He had a fantastic campaign and he also has plenty of experience, which is another important commodity in the Premiership.

"Ben is an under-rated player who has proved his worth at the highest level. He is good in the tight, mobile around the park and also has international experience at all age groups."

Sam Warburton says he is 'absolutely delighted' after being chosen to lead The British & Irish Lions in Saturday's first Test match against the Qantas Wallabies.

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland admits he and his assistants faced some tough selection calls when picking the side to face the Qantas Wallabies in Saturday's first Test.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.