A massive step for Hull-born Lee Radford.
Former Hull FC head coach Lee Radford is set to join the Scotland Rugby Union coaching team for this season’s Test windows – including November’s internationals and the Six Nations championship early next year.
The Daily Mail has reported that the Scots have agreed a deal with Northampton Saints to land Radford – who is the defensive coach of the Rugby Union outfit. The Hull-born coach is now expected to link up with head coach Greg Townsend, with the national newspaper reporting that a deal will be officially confirmed soon.
Radford is under contract with Northampton and will remain with the club this season alongside his commitments to Scotland.
Of course, the 46-year-old guided hometown club Hull FC to back-to-back Challenge Cups in 2016 and 2017. He spent six and a half seasons in charge of the Black and Whites before parting ways with the club in 2020.
Radford joined Castleford Tigers ahead of the 2022 season and also linked up with finalists Samoa for the 2022 Rugby League World Cup. He then crossed codes to join Northampton, where he was part of a premiership-winning setup in 2023. In fact, Radford had an immediate impact as defensive coach at the Saints and is understood to be a popular figure at the club.
As a player, he debuted with Hull before going on to win every club honour available with Bradford Bulls. He returned to Hull to finish his career in 2006, before retiring for a second time in 2012. He also played for local union side, Hull RUFC.
Radford’s first involvements with Scotland will be against the USA, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga.