Former hooker Sloane played for the All Blacks in just one full test, against England in 1979. He also played in 15 non capped tests in between 1973 and 1979.

Sloane played in 147 games of provincial rugby for Northland and captained the side for many seasons, including leading the side that won the Ranfurly Shield in 1978.

In coaching terms, Sloane assisted former Saints coach Wayne Smith with the Crusaders between 1997 and 1999 and shared in the title successes of 1998 and 1999. He was also New Zealand Colts coach in 1997 and was assistant coach, along with Smith, to John Hart and his All Blacks in 1998 and 1999.

Sloane continued as the Colts coach in 2000 as well as taking control of the Highlanders in the Super 12 during the same year and again in 2001.

Saints head coach Grayson said: “Peter has got the right sort of value system that we are trying to instil at the club. He is very much into the ethos of family and that good people make good rugby players. Peter had massive experience and is a proven winner. He also has real drive and an ambition to achieve which is what we also want to do.”

Director of rugby Budge Pountney said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome Peter to Northampton Saints to become an integral member of the coaching team. He has a huge amount of knowledge and experience and is very much looking forward to bringing all this to Northampton in our quest to produce a Saints team that will win silverware.

“Peter’s appointment shows huge ambition from Northampton to perform and compete on the biggest stage. I am sure he is looking forward to the different challenges that await him in the Premiership and will face them head on with a sense of tenacity and intelligence.”
 
Sloane, who visited Franklin’s Gardens for three weeks during Smith’s tenure as head coach, said: “This is familiar territory for me. I very much enjoyed my time there, as brief as it was, a couple of years ago.

“This club has good family values, which is something that is important to me. It has a very good feel about it. I also know a lot of the personnel so it will feel like home away from home.

“Northampton offers some exciting times ahead looking at where the team is at the moment. They are working hard and there is a lot of potential there. It will be a very exciting environment to be in.”

Ends
Wednesday, April 19, 2006

For more information, please call Northampton Saints communications manager Caroline Moore on 01604 599125 or 07808 866270.