RFU strengthens Academy staff

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) Performance Director, Chris Spice, announced two further appointments to the National Academy coaching team on Friday.

Nigel Redman and Jim Mallinder will join the coaching team, led by Brian Ashton. The appointments follow that of Dorian West who joined the RFU in June of this year. The confirmed dates for Redman and Mallinder to start their employment with the RFU will be announced in due course.

"I'm delighted that we have secured the services of two of England's best coaches for the National Academy," said Spice.

"Nigel played a major role in the England U21 team's success when they won the Grand Slam for the first time this year and Jim has proved what he can achieve through his work with the Churchill Cup squads over the last two years and at Sale Sharks.

"Finally, I'd like to thank both Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors for the way in which they have encouraged Jim and Nigel respectively to work with England sides in the past. Their support has been very much appreciated."

Mallinder said: "I'm really looking forward to what will be a very challenging but rewarding role working with Brian Ashton and the young players we will aim to groom into the next generation contending for places in the elite squad.

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Churchill Cup squads, especially winning the inaugural tournament in 2003. I have seen at first hand the professionalism within the RFU and it's something I want to be part of."

Redman said: "I've enjoyed working with the England U21 squad and I now want to make the next step in my coaching career. The U21 Grand Slam earlier this year was one of my most rewarding experiences in rugby."

"My aim now is to work with Brian and the National Academy coaches and bring everything that I have learned as a player and a coach to the development programmes for the National Academy players."