Saints receive significant boost
Foden and Day have been important figures in the most consistent run of success in the Saints' history. Both players arrived at the same time in 2008 and have won the Premiership title, lifted multiple Challenge Cup trophies and played in a European Cup final.
Foden – who has played 174 times for the Saints, scored 46 tries and won 34 England caps – has been back to his best at fullback so far this season, while Day – who is also a respected figure in his role as chairman of the Players' Association – is regarded as one of the best lineout exponents in the country. The second row forward has played 175 times for the first team.
Haywood and Elliott have both come through the Academy system to become established first team members in their own right and pass the coveted 100-appearance mark in black, green and gold.
Haywood made his first team debut in September 2011, hitting his hundredth in the Cup semi-final at Saracens in March 2015. Along the way he started both the successful Premiership and Challenge Cup finals in 2014 and the 2011 World Under-20 Championship final.
Elliott, who signed full time with the Saints straight from Bedford School, became the latest Saints centurion in the recent home European Cup clash with Racing 92, just over five years after making his debut in November 2010. The wing has also achieved England U-20 honours and played in multiple finals in black, green and gold.
With both players still in the relatively early stages of their career – Haywood is 24 years old, Elliott 23 – director of rugby Jim Mallinder believes that they can be at the heart of the club's squad for years to come.
"Having players like Mikey and Jamie come through the Academy system to become important members of the first team squad is very pleasing and a good indicator of the outstanding work that is being done by our coaches across the region.
"They have shown time and again that they have the quality to succeed at the highest level and we're looking forward to seeing them develop even further over the next few years.
"We're also delighted that Ben and Christian have also signed new contracts to stay at Franklin's Gardens. As two of our most experienced players, they help set the standards for others – both on and off the field – and have played important roles in our recent successes," Mallinder said.
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