Jim Mallinder named England's pathway performance coach
Jim Mallinder has already worked with England Academy between 2004 and 2007
©PA
The Rugby Football Union has confirmed Jim Mallinder as their new pathway performance coach.
The 52-year-old kick-started his coaching stint with Sale Sharks in 2001 and was assigned a role with England's National Academy in 2004. He took in charge of England Saxons in 2006 during which the team registered 15 wins from 16 games.
His association with Northampton Saints began in 2007 and in his first season he helped the club promote to the top tier with an undefeated season and also saw them reach two European finals and won the Premiership title in 2013/14.
Meanwhile, John Fletcher and Peter Walton will exit from their role of pathway coaches and head of international player development Dean Ryan paid tribute to the duo.
"I’d like to pay tribute to the huge role John Fletcher and Peter Walton have played in the development of many of our leading England internationals, and to their innovative and passionate commitment to finding and coaching young players at every level.
"Fletch and Walts have first-class reputations within the game, and I know they will both go on to new exciting roles outside the RFU. They leave with our very best wishes.
"I would like to thank them for their very significant contribution to English Rugby, and wish them all the very best for their next chapter."
Meanwhile, Mallinder is excited about the new role and is hoping to groom the young talents in bridging the gap to international rugby.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to join England Rugby and to work in the pathway helping guide the future stars of the game.
“It’s great to be returning to the RFU having held previous roles both in the pathway and with the Saxons.
“I’m a supporter of emerging talent and I’ve always tried to help develop young English players with their progression into senior rugby. I hope to continue that in my new role in the England pathway.”
