Northampton Saints’ Lee Radford is Townsend’s new No2

Northampton and Scotland have agreed a deal for Saints defence coach Lee Radford to join Gregor Townsend’s set-up for this season’s Test windows.

Scotland have been on the lookout for a new assistant to head coach Townsend after Steve Tandy left earlier this summer to take charge of his home nation in Wales.

Daily Mail Sport first revealed Scotland’s interest in Radford last week and it is now understood the move will be officially confirmed soon.

A former rugby league player with Hull and Bradford, Radford is a popular coach at Saints.

He had an immediate impact with the Premiership club when he joined in 2023, instilling a hard edge into the Northampton side to go with their devastating attack.

In his first season, the Saints won the English league title, with Radford credited with playing a key role in the success.

Radford remains under contract with Northampton. He will stay with Saints this season but also be allowed to work with Scotland for their four November internationals and the Six Nations. The 46-year-old was born in Hull and still lives in the north of England, so working with Scotland should not be too taxing logistically.

Scotland’s four November Tests are against USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga.

Radford’s imminent arrival is set to come after Scottish Rugby confirmed Townsend has agreed a part-time role as a ‘consultant and advisor’ with Newcastle Red Bulls.

The move has proved controversial, coming after Townsend signed a new contract with Scotland through to the 2027 World Cup.

It initially involves working 30 days a year with the Red Bulls – a move which comes with the blessing of his Scotland bosses led by chief executive Alex Williamson.

But it looks likely to lay the groundwork for Townsend to join Newcastle permanently after the 2027 global showpiece.