A real bromance led to ace Tuilagi staying at Sale!
SANDERSON REVEALS HIS ‘LOVE’ FOR SHARKS ACE
A COFFEE, a 10-mile hike around Macclesfield forest and an NBA reference were all key for Alex Sanderson in ensuring Manu Tuilagi committed to Sale.
The England centre has signed a new deal keeping him at the Sharks until 2023, putting to rest any speculation he may take his talent abroad.
Tuilagi joined Sale last summer, but an Achilles injury has kept him sidelined for much of that time.
But now, with the hopeful return of fans on the horizon, Sharks supporters will finally be able to enjoy the sight of the 29-year-old in action.
And director of rugby Alex Sanderson was delighted that a player with which he shares such a close relationship has put his faith in the direction that the club is going in.
“I wanted to understand the man because, at the moment, I was just looking at the numbers, this was only a few weeks into my current tenure,” said Sanderson.
“I thought what better than to go on a long walk with him, I went out with him for three hours and I’d say falling in love isn’t too strong a word, I’ve got a massive bromance with the fella!
“He is a very intelligent, multilayered, deep person and understands his values as a human being and what he wanted moving forward for the rest of his life.
“What he was willing to sacrifice in wages to stay here with us was a testament to how much he wanted to stay with our organisation moving forward.”
For the Sale boss, mentality and team harmony are just as important as talent, with a recent team meeting unveiling how fundamental Tualigi is to the spirit of the Sharks squad.
“I like to think it is because he feels part of a club, a family, a brotherhood” explained Sanderson.
“I asked the lads today, with a meeting, we were looking at the Golden State Warriors, the NBA team said to be the world’s best team ever.
“It talked about everyone knowing their role, everyone playing an integral part to this close-knit community and we tried to compare ourselves to it and one of the questions I put to them (the players) was, put your hand up if Manu Tuilagi has taught you how to make a proper cup of coffee?
“I’m talking half the squad, 25 of them. That speaks volumes of the bloke he is, he has got time for everyone, not just to have a coffee but to teach them a little skill that he knows, that’s off the field while he is injured.
“That is just one example of the glue he is around the place.”