Mark Hopley announced as Saints Academy Head Coach

Northampton Saints can today announce that assistant coach Mark Hopley will be moving into the vacant Head Coach position in the Club’s academy with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old came through the Saints Academy himself before making more than 50 appearances in the first team at Franklin’s Gardens.

“Helping to develop young talent at Franklin’s Gardens and help these hardworking young players transition into the first-team squad is something I’m very passionate about,” said Hopley.

“...I’m still learning my craft as a rugby coach and have learned a great deal over the last 18 months working with the first team coaches. I am grateful to Jim Mallinder for the opportunity and to Alan Dickens for his continued support and mentoring."

Having hung up his boots, Hopley steered a number of young players into the first-team reckoning, and not only helped the Wanderers reach two A League finals before winning the competition in 2017, but also guided the Under-18s to the league title in 2014 and a runners-up finish the following year.