England full-back George Furbank has signed a new contract with Premiership leaders Northampton Saints.

Furbank, who also plays at fly-half, has stood in as Saints captain this season in the absence of Lewis Ludlam.

"Furbs is playing the best rugby of his career at the moment," said Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson.

"He has a special knack of being able to create space for other people, whether he's at full-back or fly-half.

"He's in a real purple patch of form at the moment, and I know he's still got ambitions to play more international rugby with England.

"The way he's playing, and the fact that he covers two of rugby's integral positions, means that he'll always be there or thereabouts when it comes to international selection."

Furbank is the fourth Saints player in four days to sign a new deal and, like scrum-half Tom James, lock Alex Coles and centre Fraser Dingwall, the length of his contract has not been disclosed.

The versatile full-back said he was "thrilled" to remain with the club he has supported since childhood.

"From progressing through the academy here at Saints, to playing my 100th game in black, green and gold, it's been a true honour to do what I love whilst also representing Northampton - and I am grateful that is set to continue," Furbank told the club's website.