Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
By COYSD
October 7 2009
Rob Hunter is leaving the club to take up a coaching role with the RFU National Academy. Rob will take up his new role in December. Hunter joined the club from London Scottish in the year 2000. After making 77 first team appearances he joined the Academy coaching staff in 2004, before becoming Academy manager in November 2006.
As well as coaching the Senior and Junior Academy players, Hunter was part of the coaching staff that guided the Wanderers, the Northampton second team, to the 2009 ‘A' League title.
Rob says that there have been many highlights during his decade at the club.
"Playing for the team that I did, the lifelong friends that I've made, seeing the Saints come through a difficult period in their history, and having young players come through into the first team are all highlights," he said. "Winning the ‘A' League last year was great, especially after being in the final the year before."
"The Academy has changed a huge amount in the last five years and we've been incredibly well supported by the board, management, players and supporters."
"However I would like to broaden my coaching experience and the England Under-20 role is a tremendous opportunity for that to happen."
"The current squad is the best group of players that the Saints has had for some time and I'd like to wish Jim and everyone at the Saints the very best of luck in the future."
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder thanked Hunter for his efforts over the past few seasons and wished him well in his new role.
"Rob has been at the Saints for several years, as a player and then as a coach," he said. "He has put a lot of time and effort into the club and the younger players in particular appreciate the work he has done. I wish him all the best in his new role with the National Academy."
Rob says that there have been many highlights during his decade at the club.
"Playing for the team that I did, the lifelong friends that I've made, seeing the Saints come through a difficult period in their history, and having young players come through into the first team are all highlights," he said. "Winning the ‘A' League last year was great, especially after being in the final the year before."
"The Academy has changed a huge amount in the last five years and we've been incredibly well supported by the board, management, players and supporters."
"However I would like to broaden my coaching experience and the England Under-20 role is a tremendous opportunity for that to happen."
"The current squad is the best group of players that the Saints has had for some time and I'd like to wish Jim and everyone at the Saints the very best of luck in the future."
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder thanked Hunter for his efforts over the past few seasons and wished him well in his new role.
"Rob has been at the Saints for several years, as a player and then as a coach," he said. "He has put a lot of time and effort into the club and the younger players in particular appreciate the work he has done. I wish him all the best in his new role with the National Academy."
Rob will be greatly missed by many at COYSDC and on this site - we are sure he will achieve great success with the U20's and we all wish him well.
Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 06:05
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Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 06:23
disasterous news
thank you for all of your efforts Rob
thank you for all of your efforts Rob
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 06:34
All the good wishes in the world Rob, from the Editorial team here. I know you will make a great success of a bigger stage.
There has been a murmuring about this for a while, and I wonder if this is a consequence of Rob's departure?
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
There has been a murmuring about this for a while, and I wonder if this is a consequence of Rob's departure?
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 06:36
hmmm...
wade has a great rep....
wade has a great rep....
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Chris Hoddle (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 06:55
Good luck to Rob.
Just seems strange at the moment that Rob, Lennie and the 1stXV club going is there an underlying problem somewhere? Does not seem to be one on the field of play though?
Just seems strange at the moment that Rob, Lennie and the 1stXV club going is there an underlying problem somewhere? Does not seem to be one on the field of play though?
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 07:01
I would only read into this promotion for Rob - As I said, its been around as gossip for a while now. Lets not ascribe it to problems Chris.
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 07:33
Good luck to him.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Wee Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 08:06
Good luck and thanks for all youve done at Saints.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: St Francis (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 08:08
I agree with St M. I think this is down to people wanting to progress and and the club simply moving on - let's not forget other ex-Saints who moved on and are doing fine such as Ali Hepher down at Exeter.
I guess that the club will have some clear goals and objectives for the team and the business, and (very) sadly old stagers like Lennie probably don't fit in with that. But Rob H has been at FG for a while and he's moving on for a promotion. Good on 'im.
I guess that the club will have some clear goals and objectives for the team and the business, and (very) sadly old stagers like Lennie probably don't fit in with that. But Rob H has been at FG for a while and he's moving on for a promotion. Good on 'im.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Shaddo (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 08:33
An excellent and well-deserved opportunity for Rob, my best wishes to him.
Maybe we can have him back when the RFU come calling for Jim...?
Maybe we can have him back when the RFU come calling for Jim...?
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 08:35
After another now ex Saint elped massacre our academy Rob and Grant seeley and Ali Hepher did a fantastic job of fighting for funding, coachin and building for the future. Very good luck and best wishes Rob...Recognition and promotion ricly deserved. Now we must maintain the ethos, improve the coaching and results and move onward and upward with Saints academy. Rob's successor is a crucial appointemt.
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Duckonstilts (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 08:35
I'm very happy for Rob. This realy is a promotion. Looking at the results we have had from the Academy it is one that is truly deserved.
I Wonder how many of the youngsters will feature in the comming U20 games.
I Wonder how many of the youngsters will feature in the comming U20 games.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: oddshapedballs (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 08:36
Congratulations, Rob. I see this as reward for hard work and the success it brought us through the academy and the Wanderers. Heartfelt thanks for all of that.
It is also a great career move - broadening the horizons and giving great opportunity to work with the best young players in the country.
I wish you every success.
[lowrence.com]
It is also a great career move - broadening the horizons and giving great opportunity to work with the best young players in the country.
I wish you every success.
[lowrence.com]
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 08:51
I see this as positive for Rob and the club. For Rob it is recognition of the work he has done with the youngsters at Saints. Lets not forget that he has come on under the tutelage of Jim and Doreen and he now needs to widen his responsibilities and get experience away from the club. It looks like Rob and Ali have both had very sensible career mentoring.
Why is it good for the Club?
I think Rob there is the possibility that by the time the RFU come calling for Jim that Rob may well have the experience required under his belt to step up to the main job.
Good luck Rob - For all you have done for the Saints and for being an all round good egg!
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Why is it good for the Club?
I think Rob there is the possibility that by the time the RFU come calling for Jim that Rob may well have the experience required under his belt to step up to the main job.
Good luck Rob - For all you have done for the Saints and for being an all round good egg!
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: BerniesBestFriend (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 09:04
Good luck mate.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: LaurieK (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 09:17
Richly deserved reward for 5 years of increasing success. Let's hope we see you again, Rob. With Ali and now Rob that does leave a hole and one that has to be filled with talent and support. I think Jim sees the value of the Academy and so does the Board. If so, we can move upwards.
And lets not forget James Sinclair's role in sparking the upsurge in the Academy. Did he not recruit Rob into the role?
And lets not forget James Sinclair's role in sparking the upsurge in the Academy. Did he not recruit Rob into the role?
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: St_Bart (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 09:46
A very sad loss for Saints, but a well deserved opportunity for Rob to progress in his chosen coaching career.
If StM's suggestion above is a consequence of this I wouldn't be at all surprised....
If StM's suggestion above is a consequence of this I wouldn't be at all surprised....
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Stockers (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 10:51
Well done Rob and the very best of luck for the new role at HQ. Please come back and see us whenever you have the time.
Rob has always been very approachable and happy to talk about the Academy and COYSDC were very pleased to provide sponsorship to them last season.
Rob has always been very approachable and happy to talk about the Academy and COYSDC were very pleased to provide sponsorship to them last season.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Shaddo (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 11:05
You're right, of course, laurie, James did an excellent job. But INHO the turnaround in the academy was really started by Andy Street and Martin Hynes under Wayne Smith. I'm sure all three, who of course know Rob very well, will be looking on at his and the academy/Wanderers' successes with pleasure.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Realist2 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 13:38
Good luck to Rob although he will need to keep his wits about him working for the disreputable RFU.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 15:30
What great news, good luck to him and his apprenticeship for the future (DOR of Northampton Saints maybe?)
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Howlin (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 17:05
Onwards and upwards. Well done Rob and good luck for the future.
Saint til I die
Saint til I die
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: Biggysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 17:21
Well deserved promotion. Now don't forget to inform Jim and Doreen when the good uns come your way.
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: St_Bart (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 18:48
And some more interesting news?
Straws in the wind?
Straws in the wind?
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 19:40
Keep up St Bart - see my post at the top of the thread!
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Re: Rob Hunter departs for the RFU
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 08/10/2009 20:21
Saints loss is a gain for the U20's and could ultimately be a gain for Saints.Good luck to you Rob and thanks for all you've done here.Don't be a stranger.
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
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