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Two New Zealand youngsters have been handed short-term deals with a PREM outfit and Northampton Saints have appointed their new defence coach after the exit of Lee Radford.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
Gloucester have further bolstered their squad for the upcoming PREM Rugby season with the additions of New Zealand duo Callum McCabe and Halen King.
The two youngsters, aged 19 and 20, have both put pen to paper on deals through to the end of November with the Cherry and Whites, but have the option to make their stays permanent.
The pair, who are both English qualified, arrive in the West Country after spells in the Chiefs’ youth system and have both spent time in the New Zealand U20s set-up.
Commenting on signing for Gloucester, fly-half McCabe said: “I’m really excited for the opportunity here at Gloucester and to test myself in a Gallagher PREM environment.
“All the coaches and the lads have been friendly and welcoming, and I can’t wait to get out there on the field with them.”
Of his deal, scrum-half King said: “I know that rugby is a pretty big deal here in Gloucester, just like back home. I’m really looking forward to getting out there in front of The Shed.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to come over, and I’ll be doing everything I can to impress over the coming months.”
McCabe and King are the latest players to join Gloucester for the upcoming season, following the likes of Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake, Jean Kleyn and most recently Eliot Salt.
Reigning PREM champions Northampton Saints have promoted Jim Henry to the role of defence coach, following the exit of Radford to Scotland.
Henry initially joined the East Midlands outfit ahead of the 2022/23 season as forwards transition coach, but has also taken responsibility for the club’s breakdown coaching. He has also held the role of defence coach for CHAMP side Bedford Blues, as part of a long-standing working relationship between the two clubs.
His appointment also follows a string of internal promotions in recent years, with James Craig moving from a similar transition role to a post within the senior coaching ticket back in 2022.
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Commenting on his appointment as defence coach, Henry said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity at Saints. This is a prestigious Club with an outstanding coaching group and an incredibly talented playing squad.
“It’s a role I’ve been working towards over the last few seasons. I’ve been fortunate to work closely alongside Radders [Lee Radford] and take on defensive responsibilities with Bedford as well, which has been invaluable experience. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’m excited to get started.
“It’s fantastic to be part of the coaching team at Saints. The group is full of talented coaches, but just as importantly, they’re great people to work with.
“We challenge each other every day, constantly looking for ways to improve and make sure we stay at the top of our game, while maintaining an environment that is enjoyable and collaborative.
“We all work closely together and there is a real openness to sharing ideas and learning from one another. I’ve worked particularly closely with Radders over the last three years, and that partnership has been hugely beneficial for both of us.
“Because of that, the transition into this role feels very natural. I have a strong understanding of the defensive systems and principles that have served us well over the last few seasons, and I’m looking forward to building on that foundation.”
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Saints director of rugby, Phil Dowson, added: “Since joining the Club, Jim has been exceptional. He played a huge role in helping Radders transition into rugby union and the two have worked incredibly closely over the last three seasons.
“It was a relationship that benefited both of them. Jim was able to support Lee’s understanding of rugby union, while at the same time learning a huge amount from an exceptional coach who brought a different perspective and skillset to the group.
“Jim has also done outstanding work with Bedford Blues. He has gone above and beyond there, building strong relationships with players and staff, while really cutting his teeth as a Defence Coach in his own right. Reaching the CHAMP Final last season was a significant achievement and Jim played an important part in that success.
“He is an ambitious coach who is constantly looking to learn and develop. He spends a huge amount of time studying the game and engaging with other coaches from across the world, always searching for new ideas and ways to improve.
“We’re in a really strong position with Jim stepping into this role. His work ethic is phenomenal, his understanding of our programme runs deep, and nobody watches more rugby than him – whether that’s Saints, Bedford or our Academy players out on loan.
“I’m excited to see how Jim takes our defence forward. Because he has worked so closely with Radders and the wider coaching group, he understands what has made us successful and is looking to build on those foundations rather than starting again from scratch.”
This article was originally published by Planet Rugby.
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