Search for
Search for
Search forEx-Wales skipper Jones to take over at Sale
Thursday, December 04, 2008, 19:00
Saint-André, who guided Sale to the Guinness Premiership title in 2006, will be succeeded by current head coach and former Wales captain Kingsley Jones.
Saint-André joined Sale in May 2004, having previously performed an identical role with their Premiership rivals Gloucester.
The club say Saint-André has decided it is time to "take on different challenges" and "move on to pastures new."
Jones, who also joined Sale in 2004, will take up his new post when Saint-André leaves Edgeley Park.
Saint-André said: "I feel very honoured to have been director of rugby at such a fantastic club.
"The last five years have been very exciting and I am proud of the achievements of the team over this period.
"Finishing top of the Guinness Premiership and then going on to win the final against Leicester in 2005-06 was the highlight for me.
"But I am proud of all the teams I have managed over this period, and I have been privileged to have worked with great players and outstanding coaches and staff.
"I would especially like to thank the fans and supporters of Sale Sharks, who have shown great kindness and loyalty to me and my family during my time at the club, and hope that I can repay this support with another trophy at the end of this season.
"I would also like to thank (owner) Brian Kennedy for bringing me to Sale Sharks from Bourgoin in 2004.
"I am totally committed to achieving further success, and believe that with the current squad of players and coaching staff we can win a major trophy this season.
"I am delighted that Kingsley will be taking over rugby operations after I leave.
"I brought Kingsley to the club in 2004, and like me he is passionate about the club and is determined to achieve success at Sale Sharks."
Jones is widely viewed as a possible successor to Wales head coach Warren Gatland after the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
He said: "Philippe is an inspirational coach, and I have learned a huge amount from him over this time.
"I have a clear plan on how I will take the club forward when I become director of rugby, building on the success of the last five years and also developing further the Sale Sharks academy to bring through players on which our future success will depend."
Kennedy added:
"I am delighted that Kingsley will be succeeding Philippe and believe this is a great testament to the management structure that we have developed at the club."
Comment on this story