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Ex-Scotland international named new Sale Sharks defence coach
By Josh Raisey
Former Scotland full-back Byron McGuigan has been named Sale Sharks' new defence coach, taking over from the recently departed Jamie Langley.
The 10-cap Scotland international spent seven years with Sale before retiring in 2023, where he soon transitioned to become a member of Alex Sanderon's coaching team.
He has now been promoted to lead the defence of a Sharks outfit who are currently sat in eighth place in the Gallagher Premiership.
The Namibian-born international has taken charge of the Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup this season, guiding them to victories over Doncaster and Caldy.
"Two years ago, Alex came to me and asked if I would like to join the coaching set-up," the 35-year-old said.
"I had the option to play one more year or go into coaching, but I had reached a place where I got more satisfaction giving back to the young players coming through, which took over the desire of wanting to play.
“That feeling of affection I have towards coaching came from amateur clubs in and around the North, particularly in the last five years when I was a player here. I coached at Bowdon, Preston and before taking a full time at Rossendale, I’ve loved it. Now to get my own opportunity at Sale, I’m over the moon.
“My passion is defence. There are a few things that we have brought in over the last couple of weeks and we look forward to challenging these systems going into the next block of games.
“The challenge for me is to make our defence effective and bring back our Sharks DNA, physicality, hard work and togetherness, it’s massive for us that’s non-negotiable.
“I want the Sale fans to look at the team and say that’s my team. I’m really proud of that team. There’s a lot of fight and hard work. Exactly what represents the North.”
Director of rugby Sanderson added: “Byron comes with a wealth of experience from both an international and club stage and will be a future international coach. His thirst for rugby knowledge, matched by his passion for the fundamentals of defence, intent before detail is key.
"He’s a constant source of motivation and inspiration for myself and the players. I am confident he is going to re-energise this group.”
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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