Ferguson relishing key role in new-look coaching lineup

Dorian West. The former Stourbridge and Moseley prop, 39, fronted the RFU’s Scrum Factory under Graham Rowntree and coached at Cardiff Blues, Bristol and London Welsh before taking the women’s role in 2015.

“It’s the right time for this challenge at Northampton,” he said. “I’ve always found myself as an addition to previous coaching groups but this time, along with Chris Boyd and Sam Vesty, being there at the start line really appeals.

“When I think of Saints I think of a real superpower in English and European rugby who over the last two years have not quite managed that. It’s really exciting to have an opportunity to rebuild it and put foundations in place to achieve those goals again.”

Of the prospect of working with England’s Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes, Ferguson added: “Good blokes make good coaches and the game’s about building relationships. I work hard on that.

“It’s all about having shared goals and that’s hopefully what’s going to serve us well. I’ll coach anyone who will work and listen to me and I don’t have an issue with reputations. Saints have a history of producing a high performance pack of forwards and that’s my aim.” FORMER England Women’s scrum guru Matt Ferguson insists big names will not faze him as he begins the task of restoring Northampton’s pack to “superpower” status.

Unsung Ferguson was a surprise choice to fill one of the forwards vacancies at Franklin’s Gardens following the departure of