Sanderson out to reach new heights as Sharks chief
ALEX Sanderson is hoping to ‘unlock the potential’ at Sale after becoming their new director of rugby.
The former England forward has returned to the club where he played 90 times to replace his former boss Steve Diamond.
And he takes over a squad full of internationals and who are already Gallagher Premiership title contenders.
Sale reached an agreement to appoint Sanderson from Saracens, where he has been working as the forwards/defence coach.
He has been watching Sale’s recent games closely, and admitted he is having sleepless nights, but in a good way as he is exciting by what he is inheriting.
But the 41-year-old knows you can always improve.
He said: “I’m joining a club I know all about from my time here, but things have moved on massively since those days and the opportunity to come back home and achieve something special was just too good to turn down.
“After speaking to the owners and others at the club, it was obvious that there’s a huge amount of ambition and a real growth mindset here and that’s something that really stood out for me.
“There’s a fantastic amount of talent in the squad too – that’s clear for everyone to see – and the progress in recent years is a credit to all the players and the efforts of everyone behind the scenes.
“But I also believe there’s so much more potential to unlock here. I don’t think we’ve even begun to scratch the surface of what this club is capable of.
“Moving on from Saracens was a decision I had to think long and hard about, but I just 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, but ultimately the chance to put my own stamp on things and create a legacy at Sale Sharks and for rugby in the north west is what really excited me.
“I’m determined to give everything I have for this club and I can’t wait to get started.”
Sanderson has already spoken to his coaching staff, and says he had a great chat with Paul Deacon, who will remain as head coach having taken over from Diamond on an interim basis for the last five games. Deacon was a contender for the role, but Sale Sharks CEO Sid Sutton believes Chester-born Sanderson fits the bill perfectly.
He said: “In Alex, we have a world-class leader and a coach with a winning mentality and extensive experience at the pinnacle of the game.
“He’s a former Sale lad who knows the club, knows our culture and shares our vision of making Sale Sharks one of the most formidable teams in Europe.
“We have been extremely pleased with how the current coaching team have taken the job on over recent weeks, under very difficult circumstances.
“The owners and I have been nothing but impressed with their desire and determination, so it was key for us to ensure that whoever we brought into the club complemented that, and I believe Alex will do that perfectly.
“It is of great importance that we build on the culture we have at the club and we wanted our new director of rugby to be someone that can continue to develop a brand of rugby we are all proud to be a part of. The winning mentality of Alex is key for the club to truly achieve its potential.”
The chance to create a legacy at Sale and for rugby in the north west is what really excites me
Alex Sanderson