Mallinder parts company with Sale

Sale Sharks have announced that coach Jim Mallinder is to leave the club in order to join the England coaching set-up as part of the new Rugby Football Union (RFU) England Academy.

"We are reluctant to let Jim go, but it would not be fair to stand in anyone's way when their country calls them," said Sale chairman Brian Kennedy.

Explaining his decision to end his long association with the Manchester-based side, Mallinder said that the offer from Twickenham was "simply too good to refuse".

"I have enjoyed 15 wonderful years at Sale Sharks as both player and coach, and last season committed myself to them for the foreseeable future," he said.

"It is a wrench to leave as I believe that under Philippe Saint-Andre this team will be extremely successful.

"I had the privilege of coaching a top-drawer playing squad who are 100% committed to Sharks and who are united in their determination to win trophies.

"I believe Sale Sharks are poised on the verge of major success and, when it comes, I will look back to the part I played with real pride.

"However, having been part of the England set-up as coach of the Churchill Cup summer tours, when the chance came to join them full time it was an opportunity that was simply too good to refuse - an offer that may never have come up again for me."