The World Cup star joined Saints as a junior academy player in 1997, and switched from flanker to hooker under the guidance of former Northampton rugby director Ian McGeechan.

Thompson is set to win his 28th cap when England tackle RBS 6 Nations Championship opponents Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

He made his Test debut two years ago and featured in six of Englands seven World Cup games last autumn, including the final.

This club means a lot to me, and I am always eager to get back to Franklins Gardens after I have been away with England, he said.

It is good to know that the next three years of my rugby life will be spent with Saints.

I am looking forward to the tail-end of the season with Saints and to next year, when new challenges will no doubt be presented to us by Alan Solomons (new Northampton coach).

Thompson, a clear favourite to be the Lions Test hooker in New Zealand next year, would have sparked interest throughout the English Premiership and beyond, had he not agreed new terms with Saints.

We are delighted to announce Steves new contract, said Northampton operations director John Steele.

While the club is obviously very proud of his international achievements, with the World Cup being at the top of the list, we are equally pleased by the fact that he was a product of our academy and development system.

Thompson, 25, made his Northampton debut against Fylde in 1997 and has now clocked up 130 appearances, including the 2000 European Cup final at Twickenham, when Saints beat Munster 9-8.