Northampton Saints lock Mark Sorenson agrees new deal

Northampton Saints lock Mark Sorenson has signed a contract extension with the Aviva Premiership side.

The 32-year-old joined Saints from Newcastle Falcons in 2010 and has subsequently made 51 appearances, scoring one try.

Sorenson said: "Northampton is a rugby mad area, which is something I really like and reminds me of where I grew up in New Zealand.

"Hopefully we can get something out of the rest of the season."

He added: "We're in the LV= Cup semi-finals and are well placed in the Premiership with plenty to build on."

The Wellington-born forward moved to England in 2006 and scooped players' player and supporters' player of the year awards for Newcastle Falcons in 2008.

This season he has featured in all bar two of the Saints' matches in all competitions.

"It's been exciting to have been a part of the club over the past 18 months, especially playing in a massive match like the Heineken Cup final," he continued.

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder added: "Mark has been a good person to have around the club, for both his playing ability and experience.

"This is why we signed him in the first place and why we wanted him to stay at Franklin's Gardens.

"We have plenty of talented youngsters, but you also need some older heads who have experienced the highs and lows in the sport and can set an example for the younger lads."

Meanwhile, Saints have agreed a short-term contract with 24-year-old hooker Ross McMillian, who had been on trial with the club since October.

He counts Nottingham, Gloucester, Coventry and Birmingham & Solihull amongst his former clubs, and he also represented England Under-19s at the World Championships.

The deal prolongs his stay at the club until the end of the season, and provides cover for Brett Sharman, who has been ruled out for several months following an operation on a knee injury sustained in the LV= Cup trip to Bath.