The man who masterminded Northampton's Heineken European Cup final victory over Munster, coach John Steele, is set to swap his tracksuit for a suit and a place among the board of management at Franklin's Gardens. It is expected the club will announce a new coach later today and the former New Zealand coach, Wayne Smith, is the strong favourite to take charge.

Another name linked with the job is the recently resigned North Harbour coach, Wayne "Buck" Shelford, a former Northampton player and coach before returning to his homeland. Steele will move upstairs to a director of rugby position. He said: "Keith Barwell (the club's owner) is a very fair and shrewd man. If he makes changes it will be in the best interests of the club. I am passionate about Northampton. It is not just about employment for me. I have been here seven years as a player and three as director of rugby. It hurts me when we don't get results."

There was also speculation that the reshuffle would include the capture of Australian legend John Eales, who has just retired from international rugby. However, the former Wallaby captain has seemingly scotched the rumour that he was about to start a day job with an organisation called Funds Management.