The Kiwi coach Chris Boyd has been announced as Northampton Saints new Director of Rugby.
“I am humbled and excited to be joining Saints,” he said. “Northampton Saints is a Club I have admired all of my coaching career.
“I visited Franklin’s Gardens for a week in 2004 when Wayne Smith was head coach, and remember the passion of the Saints supporters and the strong culture at the Club.
“Franklin’s Gardens is an excellent stadium with first-class facilities, and when John White and Mark Darbon outlined the vision for Saints, it was a project I very much wanted to be part of.
“The Club’s ambitions match my own – I am confident I can help the Saints become one of the biggest and best teams in Europe.
“I have always aspired to coach in the Aviva Premiership and I am relishing the opportunity to work with this talented squad of players.”
Chris Boyd’s Career
- Hurricanes: Head Coach (2015 to present – Super Rugby runners-up 2015, Champions 2016 & semi-finalists 2017)
- New Zealand Rugby Union: Under-20s Head Coach (2013 – 2014)
- New Zealand Rugby Union: Under-20s Assistant Coach (2011 – 2012)
- Wellington Lions: Head Coach (2011 – 2014)
- Tonga Rugby Union: Assistant Coach (2011 Rugby World Cup)
- International Rugby Academy of New Zealand: Coaching Services Advisor (2006 – 2016)
- Sharks: Assistant Coach (2009 – 2010)
- New Zealand Academy of Sport : High Performance Coach advisor (2007 – 2008)
- Wellington Lions: Assistant Coach (2003 – 2006)
“We are absolutely delighted Chris has accepted our offer to join the club,” said Northampton Saints CEO Mark Darbon.
“The club conducted an extensive search and Chris stood out as the exceptional candidate.
“We said at the start of the process that we were looking for a world class director of Rugby, and we’ve secured one of the very best.
“Chris’ CV speaks for itself; his achievements in Super Rugby are notable and his experience with the New Zealand age group sides is impressive. His track record of building a championship-winning side with a mix of experienced and young players was exactly what we were looking for.
“His teams play attacking rugby and Chris is well known as a deep thinker with an immense rugby brain who communicates well with his players. We look forward to him taking charge later this year.”
“Chris has an impressive record as a coach and getting him over to Northampton is a massive statement for the Club and confirmation of our determination to compete at the highest level,” added Saints Chairman John White.
“I know I am speaking for everyone at Saints when I say that we are very much looking forward to working with him when he arrives ahead of next season.”
