Former player and coach returns as executive director of sport
Sale have confirmed club legend Steve Diamond is set to return as executive director of sport from February 1.
Diamond made 290 appearances for the club, starring in the Pilkington Cup final in 1997 and scoring the try that kept them in the Premiership in 2000.
Diamond, who was capped by England A and the Barbarians, was appointed coach in 2001 alongside Jim Mallinder and helped the Sharks victory in the Parker Pen European Challenge Shield - their first major trophy in more than 140 years - and a second-placed in the Premiership.
Diamond went on to work at Saracens and Northampton before guiding Russia to a place in the 2011 World Cup.
And Diamond can't wait to return to Sale, saying: "I am thrilled to be back at Sale Sharks and cannot wait to get started.
"While there is a lot to do with regards to the recruitment of both players and support staff for next season, I am aware that we still have lots to play for this year.
Successful
"We have the core of a very good young squad here whose potential really does enthuse me. If we can keep them together, recruit other talent around them and establish the right culture that means they are playing to their full potential, we will be successful."
Current head coach Pete Anglesea, who replaced Mike Brewer in the role, will remain at the club - although the future of director of rugby Kingsley Jones seems less certain, with the Welshman having been given permission to talk to other clubs.
Sale owner Brian Kennedy, though, is pleased to have secured the return of Diamond after a long search.
"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Steve back to Sale Sharks, a club that I know means so much to him," said Kennedy.
"Over the past few weeks we have had enormous interest in the role from some world-class candidates from all over the world. However once Steve expressed his desire to join I knew there would be only one man for the job.
"He will bring with him a knowledge and experience of the Aviva Premiership and how to succeed in what is the toughest club rugby competition in the world.
"His expertise in recruitment is second to none as are his skills in implementing the right structures needed in order for success."
Diamond made 290 appearances for the club, starring in the Pilkington Cup final in 1997 and scoring the try that kept them in the Premiership in 2000.
Diamond, who was capped by England A and the Barbarians, was appointed coach in 2001 alongside Jim Mallinder and helped the Sharks victory in the Parker Pen European Challenge Shield - their first major trophy in more than 140 years - and a second-placed in the Premiership.
Diamond went on to work at Saracens and Northampton before guiding Russia to a place in the 2011 World Cup.
And Diamond can't wait to return to Sale, saying: "I am thrilled to be back at Sale Sharks and cannot wait to get started.
"While there is a lot to do with regards to the recruitment of both players and support staff for next season, I am aware that we still have lots to play for this year.
Successful
"We have the core of a very good young squad here whose potential really does enthuse me. If we can keep them together, recruit other talent around them and establish the right culture that means they are playing to their full potential, we will be successful."
Current head coach Pete Anglesea, who replaced Mike Brewer in the role, will remain at the club - although the future of director of rugby Kingsley Jones seems less certain, with the Welshman having been given permission to talk to other clubs.
Sale owner Brian Kennedy, though, is pleased to have secured the return of Diamond after a long search.
"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Steve back to Sale Sharks, a club that I know means so much to him," said Kennedy.
"Over the past few weeks we have had enormous interest in the role from some world-class candidates from all over the world. However once Steve expressed his desire to join I knew there would be only one man for the job.
"He will bring with him a knowledge and experience of the Aviva Premiership and how to succeed in what is the toughest club rugby competition in the world.
"His expertise in recruitment is second to none as are his skills in implementing the right structures needed in order for success."
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