Northampton Saints have announced that England fullback Ben Foden has signed a new contract at the club, a year before his current deal expires.

In putting pen to paper Foden has committed himself to the Saints' cause until at least the end of the 2013/14 season.

Since arriving at Franklin's Gardens in 2008 Foden, shortlisted for the 2009/10 RPA Players' Player of the Season, has become a key member of the Saints team, his ability with ball in hand mirrored by an outstanding defensive capability.

The 25-year-old's try against Perpignan in early May helped send the Saints to the Heineken Cup final, in which he also crossed the whitewash. In all Foden has scored 20 tries in his 81 appearances to date.

In the last 18 months Foden has also established himself as England's number one fullback, and earlier this year added a Six Nations winners' medal to his collection of European Challenge Cup, LV= Cup and Premiership medals – the latter earned during his time at former club, Sale.

Fresh from his experiences in the World Cup, and with memories of a big occasion such as the Heineken Cup final still fresh in his mind, Foden is determined to help bring more success to the Saints.

"I know this was where I want to be," he said. "I've seen the club climb and achieve bigger things with every season. I was pretty quick in putting pen to paper and signing for two more years.

"We've strengthened the squad during the off-season. We achieved some great things last year and reached a major final, although we came up just short. But I'm excited to be here and I'm looking forward to a long future here.

"We're a young squad and have got better and better each year, which shows where the team is climbing to under the direction of Jim, Dorian and Paul. There are great things in the future of the club and hopefully I can be a part of that."

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder is delighted that Foden has signed a new deal with the club.

"Although Ben has developed enormously since coming to Franklin's Gardens we believe that the best is still to come," he said. "He is a level headed young man who has repeatedly shown his commitment to the team and to the club, both on and off the field. He is a tremendous attacker with ball in hand, but is also an excellent defender. However, Ben is also determined to keep improving and works hard in training to improve his game.

"He is the type of player who I am sure many coaches in Europe would like in their teams, and we are certainly very happy that he has decided that his future lies at Franklin's Gardens."