SARACENS unveiled a new coaching set-up ahead of the new season this week.

Steve Diamond has been appointed director of rugby while Mike Ford, the Lions and Ireland coach, will be elevated to the position of head coach after the highly-regarded pair signed improved contracts in the summer.

The new titles are unlikely to mark any drastic change to the way the duo operate and it has merely been brought about to recognise Ford's rising stock and the part he played in Sarries' post-Christmas revival.

Ford is still contracted to work with Ireland until November but he may well be released early should Eddie O'Sullivan find a suitable replacement. And Diamond is looking forward to continuing the fruitful partnership they forged after the departure of Rod Kafer last year.

"Mike and I have known each other for a long time and last year we realised we could have a very good working relationship," explained Diamond.

"We are of a similar age and come from similar areas in Manchester so we thought the best way forward was to create a partnership in which we are very equal in what we do.

"Mike's expertise was probably in defence with Ireland but he wants to spread his wings and become an all-round coach. He will look after a lot of the on-field decision making and how we play rugby going forward. I will work closely with him in that area.

"Mike's background in rugby league means his expertise is in defence, ball handling and skill sets and the understanding of the game of rugby, whereas mine is that dour type of mentality, very pragmatic and knowing how to win games. With the combination of the two of us we think we will be very successful."