Diamond takes charge at Sale

Diamond will come in and take control of all rugby related matters Edgeley Park including player recruitment, the coaching, medical and support staff, on field performance and the management of all rugby related budgets.

Former head coach Mike Brewer was sacked in December after a poor run of results and Academy coach Pete Anglesea took over the reigns and he wi9ll remain part of Diamond's coach team.

Diamond had a successful playing career spanning ten years at the Manchester based club before leading the Sharks to European success in the Amlin Challenge Cup in his first season as coach alongside Jim Mallinder in 2001.

His coaching CV also includes England Saxons and a stints as director of rugby at Saracens and head of recruitment at Northampton Saints.

Most recently Diamond has successfully coached Russia to a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals in New Zealand but will now step down from that role to take on the Sale Sharks position full time.

"I am thrilled to be back at Sale Sharks and cannot wait to get started," said Diamond.

"Whilst there is alot 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.

"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."

Sale return to European rugby action over the next fortnight lining up at home against Petrarca Rugby on Friday evening before travelling to El Salvador next weekend.