A clear favourite has emerged to replace Jim Mallinder - reports

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.

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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