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Northampton

A clear favourite has emerged to replace Jim Mallinder - reports

By Ian Cameron

13 Dec 2017

Richard Cockerill (L) and Mike Ford (R) at Toulon

It’s been reported that former Bath and Toulon head coach Mike Ford is the early favourite to take over from Jim Mallinder as Director of Rugby at Northampton Saints.

The BBC report today that Ford who left Bath under a cloud last season could be willing to take the role on a short-term basis.

Ford is currently Director of Rugby at the Dallas Griffins and is helping them prepare for their entry into Major League Rugby, a new US-based professional league.

https://twitter.com/Mike7Ford/status/935086841795088384

Ford’s storied career has seen him take up various coaching roles at Bath, Saracens, Ireland, England and Toulon. The former Rugby League man has been tipped for the job and would be a solid stop-gap measure for a club who have found themselves without a Director of Rugby in the middle of their season.

Northampton Saints confirmed yesterday that Mallinder will be leaving his position at the club with immediate effect.

Alan Dickens, the club’s attack coach, will take over in the short-term position of interim head coach until a replacement is found for Mallinder.

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Comments on RugbyPass

NB 3 minutes ago

What is the future of rugby in 2025?

He's the odd one out, forcing the rest of the English backline into a gameplay they don't know.

How is he 'doing' this precisely? What aspects of his play are grating on you? Be specific.

And is there any real point in going back to George Ford as an England starter now, at the age of 31?

59 Go to comments

AM 7 minutes ago

Sale Sharks offer Bristol season's beatings as Bears sleighed at home

Surely Pat Lam need to go. It was an embarrassing performance.

Watching us attack from our own 22 like Fijians then getting turned over.

1 Go to comments

NB 9 minutes ago

What is the future of rugby in 2025?

Haven't they been grooming Marcus for the role ever since 2020? Sure you can play JVP & Ford together but what is the objective behind that selection?

59 Go to comments

JW 3 hours ago

What is the future of rugby in 2025?

So were intercepts but players (no doubt coached like Carios says above) started cutting out the classic draw and pass with no intent to catch the ball..

59 Go to comments

JW 3 hours ago

What is the future of rugby in 2025?

I'm really sure SR has ever tried to lower ball in play time Tom. Pretty sure Super Rugby is comfortably above the rest in how long a game of rugby takes.

59 Go to comments

JW 4 hours ago

What is the future of rugby in 2025?

He could have won the RWC by using Ford to kick drop goals from halfway.

It wasn't a Smith decision then, and if you even bother to read this article, you'll see its not a Smith decision now.

It is indeed an anti Finn idea idea. He doesn't want to use those players.

59 Go to comments

JW 4 hours ago

What is the future of rugby in 2025?

But he clearly did. One of the better players of the Autumn window, hell even Winter window if you can accept they still were good enough to win.

This is about improving the team even further, not doing something for Smith as you suggest.

59 Go to comments

JW 4 hours ago

What is the future of rugby in 2025?

Because they suck?

59 Go to comments

JW 4 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Yep, same problem that has happened with Australia. I'm hoping this decision is separate from the review. I don't really know how big the welsh union is but I would have thought a head coach could get heavily involved in what type of player and rugby they were going to encourage in the country.

13 Go to comments

JW 4 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

No but you can do a lot with a turd to grow the next crop. Look I obviously don't rate Gatland as much of a coach, I'm just saying that they need to spend something on someone who can bring some players through or get something out of the old crop that can set a better footing for next bunch.

Gatland might not be worth whatever he's getting paid, but if you're still not getting the same elsewhere for half of that they've got to pay what they need to pay. It's as simple as that. The problem is theres no indication theyre going to lay down some ground work for the next bunch. I thought it ridiculous the comment I heard that Gatland has to deliver a trophy next season, when it shouldn't be able that at all.

They're only going to get out of this by investing in the game, and that means spending money, which is about the only credit they get out of this decision.

13 Go to comments

JW 4 hours ago

What is the future of rugby in 2025?

Yes actually! That is a great description of a lot of Bull Sharks posts and that's the wiff I got!

59 Go to comments

JW 4 hours ago

Every country in the world where you can be paid to play rugby

You think Hika Elliot was a hired gun?

7 Go to comments

GP 6 hours ago

Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list

Chay Fihaki had a outstanding second half of the Super comp for the Crusaders. A brilliant, attacking wing/ fullback for the Crusaders and Canterbury. He was brought in as cover for the AB's and played for the NZ 15.