Northampton confirm the reasons for Boyd exit and Dowson promotion
Phil Dowson will be promoted from his role as Northampton forwards coach to director of rugby when Chris Boyd leaves at the end of the season, the club have confirmed. Boyd is to return to his native New Zealand but will become an advisor to Saints in a remote role that will also include some visits to the east midlands.
Completing the reshuffle to the management at Franklin’s Gardens is Sam Vesty’s elevation to head coach, having been responsible for the attack. “I have absolutely loved my time in Northampton, but it’s time to return home,” Boyd said.
“Since our arrival in 2018, Linda and I have fallen in love with the club, the supporters and the county. Saints will always have a special place in our hearts. But the pull of family is too great to stay in Northampton beyond the end of this season.
“And while the thought of being closer to our children and grandchildren is hugely exciting, it is with heavy hearts that we leave the club. Phil and Sam are very talented coaches and thoroughly deserve their forthcoming appointments.
“Over the last three years, they have proved they have what it takes to lead a successful rugby club at this level. I have no doubt they are ready to make the step up.”
Boyd arrived at Northampton ahead of the 2018-19 season and has steered the club into a Gallagher Premiership semi-final and a Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final.
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Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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