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Rugby Union

Saints appoint Mallinder

08/06/2007

Former Sale coach Jim Mallinder has been handed the task of restoring Northampton Saints to their former glories.

The England Saxons coach has agreed a three-year contract as Saints' director of rugby and will be joined at the club by fellow former England international Dorian West, who will be his assistant.

Current acting coach Peter Sloane will leave the club as a result of the new appointments, which take effect at Franklin's Gardens immediately.

West and Mallinder arrive after guiding the England Saxons to victory in the Churchill Cup final against New Zealand Maori over the weekend.

In order to obtain the pair's services, Northampton needed to get the RFU's permission to release them from their contracts at the England national academy. It is understood that a clause in their contract means they can be contacted if the top England job becomes vacant.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the RFU national academy," Mallinder said.

"The system is doing a great job of developing young English talent and it's been great to see many of the players I've worked with in the last three years coming through.

"Despite the current position, Saints is still one of the biggest clubs in Europe and Dorian and I can't wait to start working with what we believe is a squad with a good blend of experience from around the world and exciting young English talent."

Malinder joined the academy after achieving considerable success as head coach of Sale in 2003, while 2003 World Cup winner West also joined the England coaching set-up after the tournament in Australia.

Both men were involved with the England under-21 side before they took on the full-time job of coaching the Saxons side last year, going on to win15 of their 16 games.

Saints chief executive Allan Robson said the duo's experience with young English players gave them the upper hand in a highly competitive recruitment process.

"We placed a good deal of emphasis not only on the ability to create an immediate impact on current performances but also on the longer term development of the young English talent at the club, " he said.

"The board were unanimous in their opinion that Jim and Dorian have the right credentials for the job."

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