19 Facts About Phil Larder

Previously a physical education teacher and national coaching director of the Rugby Football League, Larder was one of the first defence coaches in professional rugby union, and is considered a pioneer in applying rugby league expertise to the defensive side of rugby union.

Phil Larder was born on 20 March 1945 in Oldham, Lancashire, and educated at Hulme Grammar School.

Phil Larder played rugby union as a centre for Broughton Park, playing regularly in the first team by the age of 16.

Phil Larder later played for Manchester and Sale, and became known as a particularly good sevens player.

Phil Larder found the travelling required to play rugby union incompatible with his work at Saddleworth, so moved to rugby league, where games were concentrated in the north of England.

Phil Larder was first approached by Leigh but opted to sign for Oldham.

Phil Larder played in Oldham's defeat by St Helens in the 1968 Lancashire Cup final, and later moved to Whitehaven.

Phil Larder taught at Saddleworth School for 16 years, becoming Head of Physical Education before leaving in 1982.

Phil Larder spent a week with Kangaroos coach Frank Stanton before the second test in Wigan to observe the Kangaroos' coaching and training methods.

Phil Larder subsequently made further visits to Australia, and was influenced by coaches such as Arthur Beetson and Jack Gibson.

Phil Larder overhauled the coach education system in rugby league and his work saw the sport in Britain become more professional.

Phil Larder later coached Widnes from 1992 to 1993, Keighley from 1994 to 1996 and Sheffield Eagles in 1997.

Phil Larder was assistant coach to Mal Reilly on the 1988 Great Britain Lions tour, when the Lions won the third test in Sydney, their first test win over Australia since the second test of the 1978 Kangaroo Tour, and remained Great Britain's assistant coach until the end of 1994.

Phil Larder coached England at the 1995 World Cup, where they defeated Australia in the opening game at Wembley, but ultimately lost the World Cup final to the Kangaroos.

Phil Larder was coach of Great Britain on their disastrous 1996 tour of Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

Phil Larder then moved to rugby union, becoming England's defence coach under Clive Woodward in 1997, He joined Leicester Tigers in 1998, and the team won four consecutive Premiership titles, as well as Heineken Cup victories in 2001 and 2002.

Phil Larder was awarded an MBE in the 2004 New Year honours.

Phil Larder remained part of the England coaching staff until April 2006, when he was sacked along with Joe Lydon and Dave Alred following the team's poor Six Nations performance.

Phil Larder later criticised coach Andy Robinson for letting player power run the team in his 25-month period in charge.