Sale Sharks part ways with coach with immediate effect

Sale Sharks have confirmed the immediate exit of defence coach Jamie Langley, who has returned to rugby league.

The former England and Great Britain rugby league international joined the club in 2021 as peak performance coach, as part of a coaching set-up that had a strong league influence with Paul Deacon and Mike Forshaw.

Forshaw joined Warren Gatland's Wales coaching staff in early 2023, ushering the way for Langley to take over as defence coach.

The 40-year-old has joined Super League's Leeds Rhinos as an assistant under new coach Brad Arthur.

The 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership runners-up have made a mixed start to their league campaign, winning three of six matches.

Sale will announce Langley's replacement in the coming days.

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Jamie is a hugely popular figure at the club and he has been an invaluable part of our coaching team for more than three years now.

“He’s played a huge role in the success we’ve had in the last three seasons and I’ve got no doubt he’ll go on to achieve great things in whatever he chooses to do next.

“Everyone at the club wishes him all the very best for the future."

After his return to league, Langley said: “I am really looking forward to coming back to rugby league after a very enjoyable time with Sale Sharks in rugby union.

"It was a great experience, and I had the opportunity to work with world class players and coaches as well. Now felt like the right time to come back to rugby league as it was an unbelievable opportunity to come to a club like Leeds."