England legend Katy appointed to Sharks top job
World Cup winner Katy Daley-McLean steps up from player-coach to become the club’s Women’s Performance Lead
Callum Yorke appointed as Head of Operations for Women’s Rugby
Sale Sharks have appointed former England captain and World Cup winner Katy Daley-McLean MBE as the club’s new Women’s Performance Lead.
Katy, who led England to glory in 2014 and won a total of 116 caps for her country, takes on the job as part of an overhaul of the women’s team management ahead of the new season.
And she’ll join forces with Callum Yorke, who moves from women’s forwards coach to become the club’s new Head of Operations for Women’s Rugby.
In her first season as player-coach, fly-half Katy played a key role as an inexperienced squad won four games and finished ninth in the Allianz Premier 15s.
She’ll continue to be registered as a player as the club look to build on what they achieved in the club’s debut season.
Katy said: “I’m incredibly excited to take this opportunity to lead performance at Sale Sharks as we continue to build on what has been a positive start for the club.
“Working with Callum and the wider staff team, I’m certain that we can make significant improvements, not only in the coming year but also in the seasons ahead.
“I have experienced a wide range of club and international environments over my career and have been influenced and supported by some exceptional coaches and high-performance staff. I certainly hope to draw on these experiences and my knowledge of the women’s game to help shape the future at Sale Sharks.”
Callum’s role will include responsibility for all elements of Sale Sharks Women, including the Centre of Excellence programme in collaboration with England Rugby and the Constitutional Bodies (Cheshire & Lancashire).
Callum said: “It’s an honour to be able to play a part in what is a hugely exciting time for the club. The opportunity to work alongside Katy and the team to create a leading women’s program is one that is massively exciting.
“The squad and staff are working incredibly hard behind the scenes ahead of the new season and I personally can’t wait to start building on the foundations set last year to make this team one that the North West can be proud of.”
Sharks CEO Sid Sutton said: “We’re making a big investment in our women’s squad and we couldn’t wish for a better team to lead us into a new era than Katy and Callum.
“Katy has a CV to match anyone in world rugby and inspires everyone at the club, especially our young players, by what she’s achieved in her career.
“Callum was involved in the women’s team already, but we believe he has all the leadership skills to step up and drive the squad forwards into the new season and beyond.”
Sale Sharks Women are recruiting for a number of roles ahead of the new season, including performance coach, physiotherapist, analyst and strength and conditioning coach.
For more information on these roles, visit Sale Sharks | Join The Team – We Are Hiring or email callum.yorke@salesharks.com.
