Saints reward for lionheart Smith

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The Scot has convinced the Saints of his readiness for one more season at the top when the First Division champions rejoin the 12-club elite next season shortly before his 37th birthday.

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Old stager: Smith is wanted by Northampton for next season's Premiership

Smith is expected to be offered a new deal this week for one more season even though his club have signed Romanian prop Petru Balan from Biarritz.

'We're keen to keep Tom for the simple reason that he's still got a lot to offer,' said Dorian West, Northampton's forwards' coach and ex-England hooker.

Lawrence Dallaglio's retirement in May will leave only three survivors of the Lions' winning 1997 series against the Springboks at the highest level next season — Bristol hooker Mark Regan, 36, Wasps lock Simon Shaw, 35 in September, and Smith, almost two years older.

'Physically, I'm in good shape and I feel I've one more campaign in me,' said Smith.

Balan is one of at least three new international forwards who will be at Franklin's Gardens next season, alongside Ulster back row pair, Neil Best and Roger Wilson.

Austin Healey, England's prospective new backs coach, has confirmed an approach from head coach Brian Ashton.

Ashton's future ought to be clearer after Wednesday's RFU management board meeting when Rob Andrew interrupts his holiday to present a report on his meeting with prospective team boss Martin Johnson.