Saints coaching trio sign contract extensions

Phil Dowson, Sam Vesty and Matt Ferguson have signed on for more at Saints

The trio have been a key part of director of rugby Chris Boyd’s coaching team since the New Zealander took over at Franklin’s Gardens in 2018.

And along with defence coach Ian Vass, who joined from Montpellier in January, they are expected to be part of the management team at Saints for many years to come.

“As I see it, signing the coaching group onto new contracts is just as important as re-signing your most senior players,” said Boyd, whose own contract runs until the end of the 2020/21 season.

“Since recently appointing Ian Vass to lead our defence, we have agreed contract extensions with our three other coaches, and that is excellent news for the future of the club.”

Dowson had enjoyed a long and successful playing career with Saints, representing the club 186 times, scoring 28 tries, and lifting three major trophies.

The seven-time England international joined the first-team coaching set-up at the beginning of the 2017/18 season and impressed Boyd upon the boss's arrival in Northampton.

The 38-year-old was entrusted to marshal Saints’ forwards at the beginning of the Kiwi’s tenure.

As for Ferguson, he arrived at Franklin’s Gardens at the same time as Boyd in 2018 as assistant coach with a focus on Saints’ scrum.

The 41-year-old had previously helped to sculpt a dominant set piece and driving maul for England Women, having also enjoyed stints at London Irish, Cardiff Blues, Bristol Rugby and London Welsh.

Highly-rated attack coach Vesty also joined Saints’ coaching set-up in the summer of 2018, switching from Worcester Warriors to work in Boyd’s team.

Utility back Vesty had shown his adaptability and skill in a long playing career with both Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, before hanging up his boots to focus on coaching.

He first joined Warriors at Sixways before a stint as England’s skills coach for the 2017 tour of Argentina.

Vesty linked up with Saints a year later and has not looked back.

Under the 38-year-old's guidance, Saints’ youngsters have blossomed into one of the most exciting back-lines in European rugby.

And Boyd added: “Sam, Phil and Matt have all added an awful lot to our group already in their individual areas of expertise, but also just as importantly have helped to foster the environment we are building here at Franklin’s Gardens.

“They are very talented guys and we’re thrilled to keep them with us for the long term.”