Relegated Northampton demote coach Grayson

PAUL GRAYSON has paid the price for Northampton’s relegation from the Guinness Premiership by losing his role as head coach.

The former England fly-half will now take on the job of backs and skills coach at Franklin’s Gardens, with New Zealander Peter Sloane taking Grayson’s former position.

Ex-Auckland boss Sloane was already part of the Saints’ coaching staff, while club chairman Keith Barwell has confirmed that discussions to appoint a new director of rugby have started.