Northampton Saints chief executive Mark Darbon spoke on Wednesday about the coaching situation at Franklin’s Gardens following the departure of Jim Mallinder.

Mallinder was the longest-serving director of rugby in the Aviva Premiership, and during a trophy-laden decade at the club led Saints to the league title back in 2014, after successes in both the Anglo-Welsh Cup and European Challenge Cup.

But given the club’s current position in the table and in Europe, Darbon and the rest of the Board felt now was the right time for a change at the top.

“It was very, very difficult to part ways with Jim who has overseen so many years of success here, and was well-respected by everyone,” he said.

“But the Board felt the time was right to take the decision, one which was ultimately driven by on-pitch performances and results.

“Alan Dickens is stepping up into the role of interim head coach, and we’re firmly focused on making sure the conditions are right for Alan and the coaches to succeed for the remainder of this season.

“We’re also just beginning our search to find Jim’s long-term successor. We’ve got an incredible amount to offer at Northampton Saints – a brilliant facility, loyal supporters, and a great group of players – so we are looking for a world-class coach that can help us deliver on the high ambitions that we’ve set as a club.”

Hear the rest of Darbon's interview here...