Defence coach Mike Forshaw will join up with Warren Gatland’s squad ahead of the 2023 Six Nations
Sharks defence coach Mike Forshaw has agreed a permanent deal to join the Wales coaching staff ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.
The 53-year-old, who joined the club in 2013, will join up with Warren Gatland’s squad on January 23, after the pool stage of the Heineken Champions Cup.
‘Forsh’ lifted three Super League titles, three Challenge Cups and won 14 Great Britain caps during a 17-year rugby league career, punctuated only by a short spell at Saracens in the 90s.
He hung up his boots and began his coaching career at Warrington Wolves before moving to hometown club Wigan Warriors to work under his former boss at Bradford Bulls, Brian Noble.
He switched codes to join the coaching staff at Connacht in 2010, before joining the team at Sale three years later.
Mike said: “I’ve loved my ten years at Sale. I’ve seen the club go from strength to strength on and off the field and it’s been a massive honour to see lads like Ben and Tom Curry, Ross Harrison, Ewan Ashman come through and become top Premiership and international players.
“I’ll miss the owners, who I have a really good relationship with, and I’ll miss all the staff and players, because we have a really close-knit group here. The Sharks supporters have been incredible with me too so I want to thank them for all their support.
“It’s sad that my time here is coming to an end and I’m really excited about the challenge ahead, but before that, all my focus is on the next two weeks and making sure we put in two big performances against Toulouse and Ulster.
“This is probably one of the only jobs that I would have left Sale for but I told the players that I’m leaving them in a really good place, and that’s all down to them and their hard work.
“I know that I’m leaving a club that’s going in the right direction. It’s a really special club and I’m excited to see what this group can achieve this season and beyond.”
Everybody at Sale Sharks would like to thank Mike for his huge contribution to the club during his time here and wish him every success in his new role with the Welsh Rugby Union.
