Jim Henry takes over as Northampton Saints defence coach after Radford exit

Northampton Saints have promoted Jim Henry to become their defence coach, following Lee Radford’s departure from the Premiership champions at the end of last season. Radford has since taken up the same coaching position with Scotland.

Henry joined Northampton before the 2022-23 season after working at Loughborough. He initially arrived as the club’s forwards transition coach, a role that focused on developing players moving into senior rugby.

His work has also extended beyond Franklin’s Gardens through Northampton’s partnership with Bedford. Henry has served as both defence coach and forwards coach with the Championship club, working within Mike Rayer’s coaching set-up.

That experience now leads to a wider responsibility with Saints, where he will take charge of the team’s defensive work. His appointment maintains continuity in the coaching structure after Radford’s move away from the club.

Henry has described Northampton as a prestigious club with a strong coaching team and a highly talented squad. The Saints enter the new phase as Premiership champions, with Henry stepping into a key role after spending the previous seasons working across player development, forwards and defence.