NORTHAMPTON SAINTS ARE today beginning the search for a new boss after the Aviva Premiership club confirmed that they have brought an end to Jim Mallinder’s time as director of rugby with immediate effect.
The decision comes after the Saints suffered a fourth consecutive defeat — and 10th in their 15 games this season — by going down 43-32 at home to the Ospreys in the Champions Cup on Saturday. They’re subsequently at the bottom of Pool 2, as well as languishing in 10th place in the Premiership.
Former Northampton scrum-half Alan Dickens, who was working under Mallinder as attack coach, will take temporary control at Franklin’s Gardens until a successor is found.
“Jim has been an outstanding director of rugby. We have been very lucky to have him at Franklin’s Gardens and he will always be a part of the Saints family,” said John White, Northampton Saints chairman. “This is not a decision that has been taken lightly, but the board and major shareholders felt that the time was right for some change.”
Having been in charge of England Saxons, Mallinder took the reins at Northampton in the summer of 2007 after the club had been relegated. He oversaw an immediate return to the English top flight and guided the club to the Heineken Cup final in 2011 — two years after winning the Challenge Cup — but they came up short against Leinster.
In 2014, in addition to winning another Challenge Cup, Mallinder steered Northampton to their first Aviva Premiership title at the expense of Bath. Afterwards he was handed a five-year contract extension. His son, 21-year-old out-half Harry, is a current member of the Northampton Saints squad.
“Jim has done a superb job as Northampton Saints’ director of rugby over the last decade, and the amount of silverware the club has won during his tenure speaks for itself. We thank Jim for all he has done at Franklin’s Gardens,” said Mark Darbon, Northampton Saints CEO.
“We will now begin an extensive search to find a world-class director of rugby to replace Jim. Whilst that search is underway, we will look to bolster our existing coaching group with some additional leadership and experience on a short-term basis for this season.
“Alan Dickens will oversee rugby and coaching matters on a temporary basis as interim head coach.”
