Chris Boyd: Northampton Saints director of rugby signs new two-year deal
- Published
Chris Boyd won the Super Rugby title with Hurricanes in 2016 before joining Northampton two years later
Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd has signed a new contract until the end of the 2021-22 campaign.
The New Zealander, 62, joined in August 2018 from Super Rugby side Hurricanes, leading Saints to fourth and eighth-placed finishes in the Premiership.
He led them to a Champions Cup quarter-final last season but they ended the league campaign with 14 defeats.
"After the progress and success of my first year, for me unfortunately last season was unacceptable,"
"But I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at Saints, and I am determined to help this group of players and management staff realise their individual and combined potential."
In his first season in charge, Saints reached the Premiership play-offs where they were beaten by Exeter and won the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Their form then nosedived after the 2019-20 campaign restarted in August, following the first coronavirus lockdown.
Northampton chief executive Mark Darbon said: "In his first two seasons at Franklin's Gardens, Chris has had a significant impact.
"I know he has not yet achieved the consistency of performance he is looking for, but he is bringing through a crop of players who we hope will guide Saints to success over the next decade, and we know this will come with time."