Sale Sharks: Alex Sanderson appointed director of rugby

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Alex Sanderson
Alex Sanderson won five caps for England between 2001 and 2003

Sale Sharks have appointed former England flanker Alex Sanderson as their new director of rugby.

The 41-year-old returns to the club where he made more than 100 appearances as a player between 1998 and 2004.

Sanderson departs Saracens as forwards and defence coach to succeed Steve Diamond at Sale, who stepped down in December after a decade in the role.

"The opportunity to come back home and achieve something special was just too good to turn down," he said.

Sanderson, who joins Sale on an undisclosed-length deal, was a coach at Sarries for more than 15 years after a back injury forced him to retire in 2005.

His first match in charge is set to be against Leicester on Saturday, 30 January.

Sale are fourth in the Premiership after four wins from their first six matches this season, including back-to-back victories under interim head coach Paul Deacon.

Sanderson arrives with an impressive coaching CV from his time with Saracens, including helping cultivate their trademark "Wolfpack" defence which won them three European Champions Cups and five Premiership titles in the past decade.

"It's with a heavy heart after a month of introspection and consideration I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you and farewell to my Saracens family members," he said.

"Moving on was a decision I had to think long and hard about.

"But I felt the time was right to start a new chapter. I learnt so much during my time there, achieved a lot and made some friends for life.

"Ultimately, the chance to put my own stamp on things and create a legacy at Sale and for rugby in the north west is what really excited me."

As a player, Sanderson won five England caps, scoring a try on his debut against Romania in November 2001.

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175 comments

  • Comment posted by Dai Quietly, at 11:35 15 Jan

    Nice to see someone who is associated with the club get the role rather than flying in a NZ/SA/Australian with a reputation. Hope he does well.

    • Reply posted by Swooping Bald Eagles, at 12:03 15 Jan

      Swooping Bald Eagles replied:
      I'm with you entirely Dai, great comment.

  • Comment posted by Semper Veritas, at 11:32 15 Jan

    Terrible news for Saracens. Fantastic news for Sale. He's a top bloke.

    • Reply posted by MikeC1964, at 12:12 15 Jan

      MikeC1964 replied:
      So was Geordan Murphy. Being a top bloke is no guarantee. Quite a team he’s inheriting though...

  • Comment posted by wet, at 11:54 15 Jan

    If he was going to leave Saracens for any club, Sale is almost too perfect. Northern, a bit chippy, on the cusp of becoming a regular top 3 side with a great squad. Perfect marriage, huge loss to Sarries

    • Reply posted by RobboTheKitten, at 22:18 15 Jan

      RobboTheKitten replied:
      So only Northern people can coach Northern clubs?

  • Comment posted by beshocked, at 11:57 15 Jan

    Have met Alex Sanderson quite a few times, top bloke. Sad to see him depart Saracens but it's a big opportunity.

    Yet another ex Saracens player getting the top coaching job at another club.

    It's not really appreciated enough how Saracens have helped ex players move on from playing rugby. It's a very simplistic view when people say - it's all about the money. Player welfare is important.

  • Comment posted by Phil Clarke, at 12:23 15 Jan

    Great to see a young English coach being given the opportunity to coach at a high level. Long may it continue.

  • Comment posted by Cardiff Gal, at 11:58 15 Jan

    At least the commentary teams won't be as scared to go to him during games they were terrified of Steve Diamond

    • Reply posted by beshocked, at 12:01 15 Jan

      beshocked replied:
      I agree. Alex Sanderson is very approachable, down to earth.

  • Comment posted by Ham_Bap, at 12:15 15 Jan

    As a Sarries fan I'm gutted to see him go but wish him all the best. A top bloke.

    It will be interesting to see who Sarries now have waiting in the wings. With Farrell, Gustard and now Sanderson all stepping up to bigger jobs there's a lot of top quality English coaches in big jobs which can only be good for England rugby long term

    • Reply posted by wet, at 12:55 15 Jan

      wet replied:
      Brad Barritt!

  • Comment posted by searight, at 11:34 15 Jan

    What a great coup for Sale and a fantastic choice. Northern Powerhouse; but this one should actually deliver...

  • Comment posted by Diprose_Gardner, at 13:03 15 Jan

    Could be a good appointment if he can adapt to being the main man, great record as a coach with Saracens and good to see an English coach being given a leading role.

  • Comment posted by sidneytee12, at 11:45 15 Jan

    This is a very astute appointment. I'd been posting up on Bath forums about getting him onboard for years! Sad he's going to Sale and not to my team.

  • Comment posted by familyroomtv, at 12:28 15 Jan

    This is a good signing but it will be interesting to see how quickly he'll change our method of playing because change it he will. Very interesting times for all Sale supporters & players.

  • Comment posted by Trytastic, at 11:43 15 Jan

    Top player, coach and especially Top bloke. Carried himself superbly well during the Saracens issues, in which he wasn't directly involved. Always says it how it is, and this is a great move for him and Sale.

  • Comment posted by -_-, at 11:36 15 Jan

    Good move for him and for Sale.

  • Comment posted by famousnumbernine, at 13:20 15 Jan

    Great coach, he certainly did well at Sarries. Wish him all the best at Sale.

  • Comment posted by Makadag, at 12:31 15 Jan

    Good call. Needs to get an attack coach to replace Deacon - been at Sale since 2015 & for the back line they have had/got should have scored more tries than they have

  • Comment posted by Captain Mainwaring, at 15:44 15 Jan

    Good appointment for Sale but he's going to have to work within his allocated budget. Diamond wasn't everyones cup of tea but he had a knack of attracting and managing 'troubled' talent at a bargain price. Sale do need a change of venue however. There is a good rugby fan base in Manchester but the location of the current stadium is truly awful.....!!!

    • Reply posted by JWatts0308, at 18:21 15 Jan

      JWatts0308 replied:
      Come back to Edgeley Park - walking distance from the station, and (more importantly) my house

  • Comment posted by Cornish Granite, at 13:50 15 Jan

    Good appointment for Sale.
    Wish him all the best.
    I met him once....had a short conversation....and came away thinking what a bleddy nice person he was. Knows his stuff that's for sure.
    The very best of luck to you, sir.

  • Comment posted by Bill Rees, at 12:18 15 Jan

    Great signing by Sale. Top quality guy. If Rob Baxter turns down England job after Jones leaves Alex must be next in line.

    • Reply posted by U18153480, at 13:51 15 Jan

      U18153480 replied:
      Borthwick...

  • Comment posted by Bob, at 13:53 15 Jan

    Great for Sale

    Lets hope this is the start of some better rugby. Been very hard to watch this season so far.

    • Reply posted by kevan, at 15:49 16 Jan

      kevan replied:
      Is that a comment from pigmans dad

  • Comment posted by Grand Master T, at 12:42 15 Jan

    Great appointment. They have the potential to be a great side, but just aren't delivering at the moment.

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