Sharks statement: Diamond becomes Sale boss-boss

Sale Sharks have appointed current Director of Rugby Steve Diamond as the interim CEO due to the current boss Jon Dorsett being in self-isolation.

Sale Sharks are currently in COVID-19 lockdown along with the rest of the Premiership, so Diamond will take the role on a temporary basis.

Sale boss Diamond wrote: "During this challenging time, I hope the Sharks Family are all safe and looking out for one another.

"Club CEO Jon Dorsett is self-isolating currently so I am in the position of Interim CEO.

"Carrington Training Centre and the AJ Bell Stadium are closed and the office phone lines will not be answered."

Exeter centre Sam Hill was last week confirmed as Sale’s latest signings. The 26-year-old centre, known for his physicality and abrasive style of play, has made over 150 appearances for Exeter since making his Premiership debut for the Chiefs in 2013.

Speaking early this month, Diamond hit out at critics of Sale's recruitment drive.

Diamond said: “Three years ago the investors came in and I said it would take us three years to get top four and that is what has been done.

“We were under the salary cap for seven years and are still under this season. To some people, we are seen with a green eye, but we get the best value for money. I still average 16 English players in every 23-man squad – fact.

“We put a lot into the Cup and we have a home final and it shows just where we have come from and where we are. There will be a sell-out crowd on Sunday, which is big for us.

“The best marketing tool is our team. The ship canal runs alongside the stadium and the fans would swim across that to watch us at the moment.

WATCH: Jim Hamilton sat down with Saracens and England player, Billy Vunipola on today's episode of "The Lockdown".