Northampton Saints have confirmed director of rugby Chris Boyd will leave the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the season, as first revealed by Sportsmail.
Boyd will return to his homeland of New Zealand to be closer to his family but will continue to work with the Franklin’s Gardens outfit as a remote consultant.
Current Saints coaches Phil Dowson and Sam Vesty will step into senior management roles for the 2022/23 Premiership season.
Dowson will succeed Boyd as director of rugby with Vesty becoming head coach.
Chris Boyd will be leaving Northampton Saints at the end of this season to return home
The club will be heading forward with without Boyd at the helm after four years in charge
Ian Vass and Matt Ferguson will continue in their roles working on defence and scrum while former lock James Craig will be promoted from the Saints academy to work with the first team.
‘I have absolutely loved my time in Northampton, but it’s time to return home,” said Boyd.
‘Since our arrival in 2018, I have fallen in love with the club, the supporters and the county – Saints will always have a special place in our hearts.
'But the pull of family is too great to stay in Northampton beyond the end of this season. And while the thought of being closer to our children and grandchildren is hugely exciting, it is with heavy hearts we leave the club.
‘Phil and Sam are very talented coaches and thoroughly deserve their forthcoming appointments. Over the last three years, they have proved they have what it takes to lead a successful rugby club at this level. I have no doubt they are ready to make the step up.
‘They will be well supported by Ian, Matt and James who all have bright futures ahead of them as coaches and I will obviously still be contributing in my new role too.
‘Although I’ll be sad to leave, my job this season is far from finished. I can promise our supporters we are all more determined than ever to help the club achieve its potential for the remainder of the season.
Boyd joined Saints from Super
