Sharks stalwart forced to quit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steve Hanley has been forced to retire from playing due to a back injury sustained in a game against French club Bayonne last season.
Hanley announced his retirement to the audience at his Testimonial Launch at Edgeley Park.
The wing joined Sale Sharks in 1998 from Aspatria and made his debut against Cardiff, playing 191 games for the Sharks scoring 104 tries including a record of 75 in the Premiership which still stands.
Hanley also played for England in 1999 against Wales at Wembley and scored a try.
He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sale Sharks and have some great memories playing for the club. Helping the club to its first piece of silverware in 2002, by beating Pontypridd was very special. I have however been struggling with a disc problem in my back, since the Bayonne game and have received medical advice in that I will not recover enough to be able to play Premiership rugby again.
“Sale Sharks have been good to me and I have always given my best for the team.”
Hanley’s former team mate Jason Robinson said: ” It was a pleasure to play in the same team as Steve, he is a great lad and as his statistics show, one of the best finishers in the game.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments