Seely made over 250 appearances for Northampton

Northampton Saints academy coach Grant Seely has left the club by mutual consent after four-and-a-half years in the role.

The 36-year-old former forward featured for Northampton for 15 years before moving onto the coaching staff.

He told the club website: "I've spent 19 years at the Saints and have experienced the full range of emotions during my time at the club.

"The Saints will always have a special place in my heart."

He added: "I've learned a great deal from my time as a player and especially in the last four years as a coach.

"I would like to thank [chairman] Keith Barwell, the board, management, players past and present, and of course the Saints supporters for making my time at the club very memorable.

"I've made a massive number of lifelong friends, such as my original under-19 coaches Geoff Wright and Alan Hughes."

Both Grant and the club felt with the restructuring of the academy management that the time was appropriate for him to pursue other opportunities Northampton Saints chief executive Allan Robson

During his time as a player at Franklin's Gardens Seely captained the Saints' Sevens team, represented England at Under-21 and A level, and helped coach the Wanderers, the club's second team, to the Premier Rugby A League title in 2009.

Saints chief executive Allan Robson added: "Grant has been at Franklin's Gardens for a long time and on behalf of all the staff and supporters I would like to thank him for his work at the club.

"However both Grant and the club felt with the restructuring of the academy management that the time was appropriate for him to pursue other opportunities, and I would like to wish him all the best for the future."

Mark Hopley steps in as the new academy coach, the 26-year-old flanker retired from playing this summer.

Meanwhile former community officer Ross Stewart takes up the role of elite player development group manager.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version