The 2003 World Cup and RBS 6 Nations-winning wing had been linked to a move away from Franklins Gardens earlier this season. At least three other Premiership clubs were monitoring him.

But Cohen, 26, has now put pen to paper at a club he joined as a teenager.

I am very happy to have agreed to play for the Saints for at least another three years, said Cohen, who has won 45 England caps and scored 29 Test tries.
I love the club and it feels like home, but that is not the reason I want to stay.

I am convinced that this club has the will and the ability to start winning consistently, and in the near future compete for every honour available in club rugby. I want to be a part of that.

Saints chairman Keith Barwell added: Ben has been an important part of the club for many years now, and I am delighted to confirm he will be staying with us.

Ben and I both want to bring silverware to a club that means so much to us, and I hope, with his help, that is something we will do in the not-too-distant future.

Cohen began playing professional rugby for Northampton as a 17-year-old, and has so far scored 79 tries in 187 club appearances.

His new deal will keep him at Franklins Gardens until the end of the 2007/08 season.