{"id":178115,"date":"2025-10-03T23:19:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T23:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/178115\/"},"modified":"2025-10-03T23:19:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T23:19:13","slug":"northampton-saints-defence-coach-lee-radford-to-become-new-no2-for-scotland-boss-gregor-townsend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/178115\/","title":{"rendered":"Northampton Saints defence coach Lee Radford to become new No2 for Scotland boss Gregor Townsend"},"content":{"rendered":"

Daily Mail Sport can reveal that the former rugby league player has agreed a deal to join Scots for this season’s Test windows\u00a0Scots have been on lookout for new assistant since Steve Tandy quit this summer to take charge of WalesIt follows news that Townsend has agreed part-time role as consultant with Newcastle Red Bulls after signing new Scotland contract<\/p>\n

By ALEX BYWATER, RUGBY WRITER<\/a> and NIK SIMON<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 09:39 EDT, 3 October 2025 | Updated: 10:22 EDT, 3 October 2025 <\/p>\n

Northampton and Scotland have agreed a deal for Saints defence coach Lee Radford to join Gregor Townsend<\/a>\u2019s set-up for this season\u2019s Test windows.<\/p>\n

Scotland have been on the lookout for a new assistant to head coach Townsend after Steve Tandy left earlier this summer to take charge of his home nation in Wales.<\/p>\n

Daily Mail Sport first revealed Scotland\u2019s interest in Radford last week and it is now understood the move will be officially confirmed soon.<\/p>\n

A former rugby league player with Hull and Bradford, Radford is a popular coach at Saints.<\/p>\n

\"Northampton <\/p>\n

Northampton coach Lee Radford is set to join the Scotland set up<\/p>\n

\"Radford <\/p>\n

Radford will assist Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend<\/p>\n

He had an immediate impact with the Premiership club when he joined in 2023, instilling a hard edge into the Northampton side to go with their devastating attack.<\/p>\n

In his first season, the Saints won the English league title, with Radford credited with playing a key role in the success.<\/p>\n

Radford remains under contract with Northampton. He will stay with Saints this season but also be allowed to work with Scotland for their four November internationals and the Six Nations. The 46-year-old was born in Hull and still lives in the north of England, so working with Scotland should not be too taxing logistically.<\/p>\n

Scotland\u2019s four November Tests are against USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga.<\/p>\n

\"Steve <\/p>\n

Steve Tandy left the Scotland set up to become head coach of Wales<\/p>\n

Radford\u2019s imminent arrival is set to come after Scottish Rugby confirmed Townsend has agreed a part-time role as a \u2018consultant and advisor\u2019 with Newcastle Red Bulls.<\/p>\n

The move has proved controversial, coming after Townsend signed a new contract with Scotland through to the 2027 World Cup.<\/p>\n

It initially involves working 30 days a year with the Red Bulls – a move which comes with the blessing of his Scotland bosses led by chief executive Alex Williamson.<\/p>\n

But it looks likely to lay the groundwork for Townsend to join Newcastle permanently after the 2027 global showpiece.<\/p>\n

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