Mallinder opts for director’s chair in Scotland

JIM Mallinder is to become Scottish Rugby’s new performance director.

Mallinder will leave his role as performance pathway coach with the RFU where he most recently led an England XV to victory against the Barbarians in June.

He joins Scottish Rugby following Scott Johnson’s departure in April this year.

The former Northampton Saints director of rugby will lead Scottish Rugby’s performance department from the newlycreated Super6 competition for semi-professional club teams through to the Scotland men’s national team, with his remit also including developing the player pathway, Scotland Sevens and Scotland Women.

Mallinder said: “I’m sad to be leaving the RFU as I’ve really enjoyed my time here, in particular getting to work with some fantastic people in a wide range of roles, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

“It’s a chance to lead a long-term programme, work with talented people, and I’m looking forward to moving up to Scotland and getting started.”

RFU professional rugby director Nigel Melville said: “I’d like to thank Jim for all the work he’s done within the player pathway over the past year and, on behalf of everyone at the RFU, wish him all the best for his new role with Scottish Rugby.”

Mallinder began his coaching career with Sale in 2001. In 2004 he moved to the RFU’s National Academy and coached the England U21 side to the 2006 Six Nations title. This led to him also taking on the England Saxons coaching role and he oversaw an impressive record of 15 win from 16 matches.

He joined Northampton in June 2007, winning them promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of asking with an unbeaten first season in charge.

In 2010/11 Mallinder became the first coach to take a team to the Heineken Cup final unbeaten through the pool stages, losing the final to Leinster.

The club reached the Premiership Final in 2012/13 losing to local rivals Leicester but went one better the following year by beating Saracens in the final.

He left the club in December 2017 and joined the RFU in June 2018.

Following Mallinder’s departure, and Steve Bates last month, the RFU will now be recruiting for both the England U18 and U20 head coach roles.