Jim Mallinder signs a new deal – Rugby News Update
Jim Mallinder, the 46-year-old director of rugby at the Northampton Saints, has signed a new deal with the club, which will retain him till the end of 2015, and with his signing, the Saints have secured stability in their backroom staff.
The club was built upon the successful platform laid by their director of rugby, and the Chairman of the Club, Leon Barwell, is all too aware for the need of stability.
"Jim signing his new contract is terrific news for the club and underpins our aspirations for the future," Barwell said. "As we see so often in sports across the world having continuity of management is crucial in a club's long-term success, and this is
exactly what Jim brings to the Saints.”
Mallinder who was linked to the England job after Martin Johnson vacated his position, stated a few months ago that he did not apply for it, and wanted to concentrate on club management. He was widely being tipped to take over as a potential candidate due
to his impressive club management, first at the Sale Sharks and then the Saints. He achieved promotion with the Saints from the Championship to the Aviva Premiership first time of asking, by going through the season unbeaten.
He was thrilled to have signed a new contract with the club, and is looking forward to achieving further victories with them.
"I'm very happy at Northampton Saints," Mallinder said. "We also have a talented group of coaches and support staff which is among the best in the league. We all want the club to improve year on year and are committed to working together to achieve that.”
Mallinder started his career with the Sale Sharks, where he stayed 15 years as a fullback and then a coach. In his first season, he led the Sharks from 11th to 2nd in the Premiership, and secured the first Heineken Cup qualification.
The 46-year-old played twice for England, making his debut against Argentina at Buenos Aires, May 31, 1997, and was to play his last test against them same opposition that summer 8 days later.
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