Coming from the east side of the city, Radford was born to support Hull KR, the Robins, but it was at their deadly rivals Hull FC where he played and coached, famously being sacked live on TV by a boss who’d conveniently overlooked back-to-back Challenge Cup wins in 2016 and 2017.
In the most unique of rugby league towns, Radford developed a skin as thick as his Hull accent whenever the stick came his way so crossing codes, when he has previously crossed staunch geographical divides, is not something that necessarily fazes the jovial 44-year-old charity boxer with the capacity to bounce back off the ropes.
After losing his job at Hull in 2020, Radford was all set for his first-ever coaching stint in professional rugby union, with new MLR franchise Dallas Jackals. But Covid put paid to that and he took another job in Super League instead, at Castleford, whilst also steering Samoa to their first-ever Rugby League World Cup final.
Radford seemed certain to go to the NRL in Australia once his time at Cas was up but Saints came calling, determined to rid themselves of their defensive frailties by going down a well-worn path and recruiting from rugby league.
Defences in rugby union have been heavily influenced by incomers from league ever since John Muggleton stamped his mark on the 1999 World Cup-winning Wallabies, who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup after only conceding one try all tournament. And on the face of it, Radford is in a no-lose position; Saints’ defence can hardly be any worse than last season when they top-scored with 91 tries but conceded 95 at the other end, only one fewer than bottom club Newcastle.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England show who's No.1
ENGLAND women’s head coach John Mitchell says his side will take valuable lessons from the 24-12 win over world champions New Zealand as they build towards their WXV1 title defence.
Skivington: We're going to roll dice and go for it
THE Cherry and Whites are the enigmas of the Premiership.
Looking to go one step beyond this time around
NE small step is what it will take for Bath to go one better than last season and secure the Premiership for the first time, but it would be one of the biggest taken by the club in the professional era.
Four-try England make it 17 wins on the spin
ENGLAND women opened the Allianz Stadium era at HQ with a victory over New Zealand to make it 17 wins on the bounce before their WXV title defence.
Time for Borthwick to prove his worth
HONEYMOON periods are not set in stone and in my estimation Steve Borthwick’s ends this summer. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still in good shape.
Barrington ready to power up the Mob
RICHARD Barrington has signed up to the Ampthill “Mob” reassured that he’ll still have a target on his back most weeks.
Skivington keen to build identity
GLOUCESTER won their first trophy for nine years last season and reached the Challenge Cup final, but when George Skivington went on holiday the day after the campaign ended the words in his head were never again.
Roebuck targets England success
WINNING a maiden England Test cap to top the best season of his career will not be enough for Sale winger Tom Roebuck.
Booth: Tough telling players I was leaving
TOBY Booth admits telling his Ospreys players that he would be leaving at the end of the season was one of the hardest things he has had to do in his career.
Stephens' debut try sees off old rivals
DORKING had to dig deep in another tight game between two old rivals, with the lead changing hands twice and result in doubt right up to the final whistle.