Sharks begin search for new coach

Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy has come out fighting following further coaching upheaval at the struggling Aviva Premiership club.

New Zealander Mike Brewer has left his role as Sharks head coach with immediate effect, his departure being announced just four days before Sale meet league champions Leicester.

"We will now undertake a thorough search to secure the best coaching team and structure for the future," Kennedy said.

Brewer was only appointed earlier this year, replacing ex-England union and league star Jason Robinson as part of a coaching reshuffle at Edgeley Park.

But Sale currently lie 10th in the Premiership with only three wins from nine games and have little chance of progressing in Europe's Amlin Challenge Cup after successive defeats against French side Brive.

He added: "We have a superb crop of young players coming through the academy, a set of established internationals, plus the desire to make a number of key new signings over the next six months."

Former Sale player and current academy coach Pete Anglesea will replace Brewer until the end of this season, assisted by new forwards coach Steve Scott, backs coach Byron Hayward and defence coach Graham Steadman.

Kennedy added: "We would like to thank Mike for the dedication and commitment he has shown to the club.

"I am personally very disappointed that this has not worked out, as I have a great deal of respect for him, and of course I wish him all the best for the future.

"Pete Anglesea is the obvious choice to lead the team in the short term. He has been part of the club for many years as a player and his coaching record this season with the (Sale) Jets and the LV= Cup squad is exemplary and he has yet to taste defeat."