British and Irish Lions

Clarke missed most of the current campaign due to an ankle injury suffered during Northampton's opening Guinness Premiership game against Newcastle last September.

Clarke's new deal supercedes his existing contract, which had one more season to run, and he will remain at Franklin's Gardens until 2010.

He said: "Obviously, it was a hard season for me after the injury and not being able to help the lads on the field, but the club stood by me and the medical team were brilliant throughout my rehabilitation.

"I am looking forward to helping get Saints back to the Premiership at the first attempt, and then to the top of English rugby."

Northampton were relegated into National League One almost two weeks ago after finishing one point beind Worcester in the Premiership survival fight.

Welcome to our new 'Behind The Scenes' look at the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour.

The footage will give fans the opportunity to sample a truly Behind the scenes look at the greatest touring side in the world.

This opening video is from the first day the squad got together in London.

Visit www.autographer.com for more.

British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton says he's been struck by the level of professionalism and dedication within the squad as they prepare to head to Hong Kong and Australia.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.