Sale Sharks can confirm that former winger Byron McGuigan has been appointed as the club’s new Defence Coach.
Byron originally joined the Sharks coaching staff ahead of the 2023/24 season, bringing to an end a playing career that had seen him make more than 100 Sharks appearances and pick up ten Scotland caps.
‘The Horse’ has had a long-held passion for coaching and has held several roles at grassroots clubs including Sandbach, Bowden and, most recently, Rossendale.
He played a key off-field role as Sale reached the Gallagher Premiership semi-final and this season has seen him take charge of the Sharks team during the Premiership Rugby Cup.
He will start work in his new role immediately as Alex Sanderson’s team begins a busy period of the Premiership season with a home fixture against Leicester Tigers on Sunday 1st December.
Byron said: “Two years ago, Alex came to me and asked if I would like to join the coaching set up. I had the option to play one more year or go into coaching, but I had reached a place where I got more satisfaction giving back to the young players coming through, which took over the desire of wanting to play.
“That feeling of affection I have towards coaching came from amateur clubs in and around the North, particularly in the last five years when I was a player here. I coached at Bowdon, Preston and before taking a full time at Rossendale, I’ve loved it. Now to get my own opportunity at Sale, I’m over the moon.
“My passion is defence. Theres a few things that we have brought in over the last couple of weeks and we look forward to challenging these systems going into the next block of games.
“The challenge for me is to make our defence effective and bring back our Sharks DNA, physicality, hard work and togetherness, it’s massive for us that’s non-negotiable.
“I want the Sale fans to look at the team and say that’s my team. I’m really proud of that team. There’s a lot of fight and hard work. Exactly what represents the North.”
Alex said: “Byron comes with a wealth of experience from both an international and club stage and will be a future international coach. His thirst for rugby knowledge matched by his passion for the fundamentals of defence, intent before detail is key.
He’s a constant source of motivation and inspiration for myself and the players. I am confident he is going to re-energise this group.”
