Jim Mallinder has been confirmed as Scottish Rugby’s new performance director following Scott Johnson’s departure earlier this year.
By taking up the new role in Scotland Mallinder leaves the Rugby Football Union where he has been for some time.
Mallinder admitted that he is sad to leave
the RFU behind, but he is also looking forward to his new challenge.
“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 within the men’s pathway. I will miss working with them all but this was an opportunity that 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,” he said.
Mallinder worked in the English club game
for a while, leading the likes of the England Saxons and recently lead an
England XV to victory over the Barbarians.
RFU professional director of rugby Nigel
Melville thanked Mallinder for his service and wished him luck in his new role.
“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,” he said.
Mallinder brings plenty of experience
having coached Sale Sharks and Northampton Saints in the Premiership, as well
as coaching the England U21’s to the Six Nations in 2006 and working with many underage
teams in England during his time.
His new role will see him take over a leading role in the Scotland’s new Super6 competition for semi-professional players, while he will also look after player development, the Scotland Sevens team and the Scotland Women’s team in what is a huge challenge for the now former RFU man.
