Lee Radford, former head coach of both Hull FC and Castleford Tigers, has landed yet another prestigious job in rugby union.
The 46-year-old made the code switch to rugby union initially after his Hull FC axing, however, that wouldn’t last long as Lee Radford was soon back in Super League, but this time with Castleford Tigers.
Appointed ahead of the 2022 season, Radford left in early 2023 but then made a more permanent switch to rugby union as he joined Northampton Saints that year.
Joining as defence coach, the Saints won the Gallagher Premiership that year and reached the final of the Champions Cup this season and whilst he’ll continue his role with Northampton for the remainder of this season, Radford has now also landed an international gig.
It’s been confirmed that Lee Radford will join the Scotland international team as their defence coach with this November’s matches the first that he will be involved in. He will go full-time with Scotland after his season with Saints with the ex-Super League coach contracted to Scotland until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Lee Radford signs multi-year deal as Scotland defence coach
The appointment of Lee Radford was confirmed by Scottish Rugby via a statement with the 46-year-old clearly very highly thought of by head coach Gregor Townsend.
On Radford, Towsend said: “We placed huge importance on bringing in a high-quality replacement for Steve Tandy as our defence coach and Lee fits the bill perfectly.
“Lee brings a wealth of experience from rugby league and union on the defensive area of the game and will be able to build on the good work that has been done in that area over the last few years.”
As for Radford, he added: “I’ve always aspired to coach on the international stage within rugby union and to get that opportunity with a nation like Scotland is an incredibly proud moment.
“I’ve visited the Scotland camp a couple of times in the last few years and have come away with a great feeling about the place. The management are well connected and it’s a tight playing group. There’s a brilliant chemistry and that’s so important.
“Scotland have been very sound defensively over the last few years and there are similarities to how they defend compared to Northampton. My job will be to continue that cohesion as well as adding some of my own touches.”
Lee Radford is one of several rugby league coaches to make a successful transition to rugby union with other examples including Shaun Edwards and Andy Farrell.
Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.
