Sale Sharks appoint former Wasps director Tony Hanks as coach

Sale Sharks have appointed former Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks as their new first-team coach.

The 40-year-old New Zealander, who left his post with Wasps in February, took up his new role today when he took charge of training at the Sharks' Carrington base.

Sale executive director of sport Steve Diamond described the appointment of Hanks as the "final piece in the jigsaw" following a major re-structuring of the team and backroom staff.

"Tony will work alongside forwards coach Steve Scott, academy transition coach Pete Anglesea and performance manager Nigel Ashley-Jones," said Diamond.

"He will be responsible for attack, our game plan and our overall defensive strategy.

"Tony has worked with some of the best teams in the world and brings a level of experience and achievement that will be of immediate benefit to Sale Sharks."

Hanks had two spells with Wasps and also worked for Super 14 side the Chiefs and the Junior All Blacks as technical analyst and skills coach before becoming head coach of Waikato in 2008.

He said: "I'm excited to be joining Sale Sharks, especially at a stage when there have been many changes.

"With so many players joining to form a much-changed team, it's a great time to be involved and I share the massive sense of anticipation at the club."