Scottish Rugby’s Performance Director, Jim Mallinder, has announced his decision to step down from his position at the conclusion of the season in June 2024. Since his arrival from the RFU in August 2019, Mallinder has played a crucial role in the elevation of world rankings for both of Scotland’s national teams. Additionally, he has been instrumental in driving strategic investment in Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors, the country’s two professional teams.
Before his tenure at Scottish Rugby, Mallinder spent a decade coaching Northampton Saints from 2007 to 2017. Subsequently, he transitioned to the role of England player pathway coach at the RFU in 2018, before ultimately joining Scottish Rugby.
In his statement regarding his departure, Mallinder expressed, “I’ve held consecutive roles from Premiership Director of Rugby to the RFU to Scottish Rugby, and therefore, I have decided to take a break before pursuing new opportunities. The demands of elite sport require a significant amount of time and travel, so I look forward to spending time at home following the conclusion of this role.”
Mallinder conveyed his deep appreciation for his time in Scotland and the accomplishments of the national teams. He also expressed gratitude to everyone at Scottish Rugby for their support and emphasized the exceptional individuals within the organization. Additionally, he acknowledged the productive partnership with Rugby Players Scotland.
Throughout his tenure, Mallinder oversaw notable advancements within Scottish Rugby, including the transition of the Scotland Women’s team to full-time contracts, the establishment of the Super6 competition, and the introduction of the Celtic Challenge for aspiring female players from Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
Mark Dodson, the Chief Executive of Scottish Rugby, recognized Mallinder’s substantial contributions, stating, “Jim is a dedicated rugby professional, and I extend my gratitude to him for his leadership and impact on our high-performance programs over the past four years. Jim has made significant contributions to this role, and I understand and respect his decision to take time to reflect before determining the next steps in his career.”
With Mallinder’s impending departure, Scottish Rugby will soon initiate the recruitment process to appoint a new Performance Director.
Mallinder’s exit from Scottish Rugby signifies the end of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for continued progress and success within the country’s rugby programs.