Sale sign Daley-mclean as player-coach for top flight

England fly-half Katy Daley-mclean has left Loughborough Lightning to embark on “a great new challenge” at Tyrrells Premier 15s newcomers Sale Sharks, where she will take up a player-coach role next season.

Highly regarded as one of the best kickers in the women’s game, Daleymclean is the Red Roses’ second highest points-scorer, after Emily Scarratt surpassed the 34-year-old’s tally of 535 points in England’s 53-0 win over Scotland in this year’s Six Nations.

Sale, who were this month given a place in the top flight of English women’s rugby from next season alongside Exeter Chiefs, are believed to be investing £1million over the next three years in their women’s programme.

Speaking about her decision to sign for the Sharks, Daley-mclean, the 2014 World Cup-winning captain, said: “The opportunity to combine a player role with some coaching responsibilities is one that I am relishing, particularly the chance to share some of my experiences with a new generation of talented players in the North West.

“Aligning with such a successful men’s side, Sale women have the opportunity and ambition to ultimately develop a side capable of competing with the dominant women’s clubs in the South.”

Darren Lamon, head of women’s rugby at Sale, described Daley-mclean as a “role model”. He said: “Having Katy orchestrating the game on the pitch will be massive for our new team, but to have her influence as assistant coach, specifically developing our attacking philosophy and supporting our younger players, will be invaluable.”