Jim Mallinder has left his job at the RFU to take up a role as Scotland’s performance director.
The former Northampton and Sale head coach had been employed as a pathway coach within the England setup, and coached the men’s side against the Barbarians in June, prompting rumours that he was seen as a natural successor to Eddie Jones once the Australian leaves his post.
However, Scotland put out a Tweet on Friday morning confirming that Mallinder has now taken up the role vacated by Australian Scott Johnson, who left in the spring to become director of rugby for the Wallabies.
Jim Mallinder to leave the RFU and join @Scotlandteam as performance director.
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 23, 2019
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Mallinder said: “I’m sad to be leaving the RFU as I’ve really enjoyed my time here, in particular getting to work with some fantastic people in a wide range of roles within the men’s pathway. I will miss working with them all but this was an opportunity that I couldn’t refuse.
“It’s a chance to lead a long-term programme, work with talented people, and I’m looking forward to moving up to Scotland and getting started.”