Paul Grayson was already an established face at Franklin's Gardens when made an earlier than expected step into coaching following the departure of Alan Solomons in late 2004. Together, fellow former player Budge Pountney and Grayson managed to steer Saints away from relegation on the last day of the season.

It was not the first time Grase has coached though. He fulfilled the role of kicking coach for the England side that toured USA and Canada in 2001. He was also the backs coach for England U21s squad in the 2002/03 season.

The Saints' all-time record points-scorer remains part of the backroom team at Franklin's Gardens under director of rugby Jim Mallinder.