Champions Northampton confirm Lee Radford successor

Northampton Saints have confirmed that Jim Henry will replace Lee Radford as their defence coach ahead of the upcoming season, as reported by RugbyPass in June.

Henry has been promoted from his role as forwards transition coach after Radford departed Saints to take up a full-time position with Scotland, which was confirmed in October.

Henry joined Saints ahead of the 2022/23 campaign after coaching at Loughborough University and has worked closely with the club’s hookers, lineout and breakdown. He has also led the defensive programme during Premiership Rugby Cup campaigns in recent seasons.

Henry has gained further experience as Bedford Blues’ defence coach through Northampton’s strategic partnership with the Champ club, while also working with their forwards and scrum. Bedford reached the Champ final last season, losing to Worcester Warriors, with Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson highlighting Henry’s contribution to that run.

Saints highlighted that his promotion continues their policy of developing coaches internally, with Henry following a similar pathway to James Craig.

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Gallagher Premiership

Northampton

11:45

25 Sep 26

Newcastle

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“I’m delighted to have this opportunity at Saints,” Henry said. “This is a prestigious club with an outstanding coaching group and an incredibly talented playing squad.

“It’s a role I’ve been working towards over the last few seasons. I’ve been fortunate to work closely alongside Radders [Lee Radford] and take on defensive responsibilities with Bedford as well, which has been invaluable experience. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’m excited to get started.

“It’s fantastic to be part of the coaching team at Saints. The group is full of talented coaches, but just as importantly they’re great people to work with.

“We challenge each other every day, constantly looking for ways to improve and make sure we stay at the top of our game, while maintaining an environment that is enjoyable and collaborative.

“We all work closely together and there is a real openness to sharing ideas and learning from one another. I’ve worked particularly closely with Radders over the last three years, and that partnership has been hugely beneficial for both of us.

“Because of that, the transition into this role feels very natural. I have a strong understanding of the defensive systems and principles that have served us well over the last few seasons, and I’m looking forward to building on that foundation.”

Dowson added: “Since joining the club, Jim has been exceptional. He played a huge role in helping Radders transition into rugby union and the two have worked incredibly closely over the last three seasons.

“It was a relationship that benefited both of them. Jim was able to support Lee’s understanding of rugby union, while at the same time learning a huge amount from an exceptional coach who brought a different perspective and skillset to the group.

“Jim has also done outstanding work with Bedford Blues. He has gone above and beyond there, building strong relationships with players and staff, while really cutting his teeth as a Defence Coach in his own right. Reaching the Champ final last season was a significant achievement and Jim played an important part in that success.

“He is an ambitious coach who is constantly looking to learn and develop. He spends a huge amount of time studying the game and engaging with other coaches from across the world, always searching for new ideas and ways to improve.

“We’re in a really strong position with Jim stepping into this role. His work ethic is phenomenal, his understanding of our programme runs deep, and nobody watches more rugby than him – whether that’s Saints, Bedford or our Academy players out on loan.

“I’m excited to see how Jim takes our defence forward. Because he has worked so closely with Radders and the wider coaching group, he understands what has made us successful and is looking to build on those foundations rather than starting again from scratch.”