Jim Henry appointed as Saint's new defence coach.

Northampton Saints today confirm that Jim Henry has been promoted to the role of Defence Coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Henry joined Saints as Forwards Transition Coach ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, having previously coached at Loughborough University.

During his time so far at Franklin’s Gardens, Henry has worked closely with the Club’s hookers and lineout operation, while also taking responsibility for the breakdown. More recently, he has led Saints’ defensive programme during PREM Rugby Cup campaigns.

As part of Northampton’s strategic partnership with Bedford Blues, Henry has also fulfilled the role of Defence Coach for Mike Rayer’s side (who reached the CHAMP Final last term) as well as coaching the forwards, specifically the scrum.

Henry’s appointment continues Saints’ strong track record of developing coaches through their pathway system, with Henry following a similar progression to James Craig – who also advanced from the Academy and Transition environment into a first-team role in 2022.

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity at Saints,” said Henry. “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.”

Henry progressed through the same Leicester Tigers Academy cohort as Saints’ Head Coach Sam Vesty, before enjoying playing spells with Nottingham and then Loughborough, where he took his first steps into coaching.

He added: “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.”

Northampton’s Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, said: “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.”

While Saints’ senior coaching group remains largely unchanged, Henry’s promotion is one of a small number of coaching appointments within the Academy and Transition coaching set-up ahead of the 2026/27 season.

His former role as Forwards Transition Coach will be filled by Saint #1953, Reece Marshall. The former hooker made 60 appearances in Black, Green and Gold after making his first-team debut in 2015, before returning to the Club in 2023 as Moulton College Academy Coach.

Meanwhile, former Saints Academy flanker Charles Rylands steps into Marshall’s previous role. Rylands has spent the last two seasons with Ampthill in the CHAMP and now returns to Northampton as Moulton College Academy Coach, also coaching the forwards and defence within the Development Phase (Under-18s) of the Academy programme.