Steve Diamond leaves Sale Sharks with immediate effect

Paul Deacon will assume responsibility of the first team as Head Coach while the club take stock and plan for the future.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve said:

“After 10 proud years with Sale Sharks I have taken the decision to step away from the business.

"I feel that this is the perfect moment to hand over to someone else, given the club is now stable and in a great position to compete at the highest level.

"We have acquired a world class training facility, built an academy that is the envy of many premiership clubs and constructed a squad that can win tournaments and trophies at domestic and European level.

"I know Simon and Ged will continue with the progress we have made together, and I now look forward to taking some time out and planning my next challenge.”

Diamond has been involved with Sale Sharks for most of his professional career in various different guises and knows the club inside out.

Often combining a number of roles, including CEO at one time, Diamond has overseen a huge changearound at the club. His no-nonsense approach has won him a loyal fan base at Sale Sharks and he will hope that after a few years of uncertainty and transition, he has assembled a coaching and playing staff capable of returning the club to its former glory.