By Sarah Braide
March 31 2003

Jim Mallinder and Steve Diamond are probably the best coaches operating in the Premiership. Messageboarders have said in the past that if Clive Woodward was to step down from his England post then the Sale boys would be first in line. Well now it's official. They are to manage England's side in the new Churchill Cup competition whilst the rest of the England squad is touring Australia and New Zealand. The Churchill Cup is a new North America v England competition. This year it is taking place in Canada but the USA will host it next year. This has come about following the North America tour of 2001 and though Canada and the USA may not provide the stiffest of opposition at the moment, it will be chance to give some younger players their first international experience.

England play Canada on the June 18th and the USA on June 21st; all being well they will then play the final on June 28th.

Jim and Steve really deserve this opportunity. They have done great things at Sale and it has not just been by throwing money at new players, though they have bought wisely. It has been proven this season that the team has more depth than is brought by the handful of big names: we are still second in the Premiership despite the quite long absences of Charlie Hodgson and Bryan Redpath. That depth has a lot to do with good coaching which is why I think England have looked to the pair to manage a young emerging side.

Jim modestly said:

“We are very pleased to be on board and excited to be given this opportunity. This tour is vital for the development of English players and it is a great opportunity for some of them to come through and shine. Steve and I work well together at Sharks and I hope we can bring that partnership to England.”

Clive Woodward endorsed the appointment:

"The Churchill Cup will provide all of the players taking part with a huge challenge at international level. Jim Mallinder and Steve Diamond are doing a great job with The Sharks and I am delighted that they will be leading the party.

"I must stress that the tournament will be an important part of our World Cup preparations and that there will be players on the tour that will be part of the squad in October."

Maybe they can use their influence to make Clive Woodward realise what he's missing out on by overlooking Mark Cueto!