Dorian West named forwards coach of Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have confirmed former England hooker Dorian West as the new forwards coach of the Gallagher Premiership club.

West racked up over 100 English Premiership appearances for Leicester Tigers between 1997 and 2004 and his impressive form was spotted by England coach Sir Clive Woodward, who handed him his international debut in 1998.

The 50-year-old played 21 times for England between 1998 and 2003 in which he scored three tries and was part of the World Cup winning squad of the red rose team in his final year with the team.

"I'm very pleased to be here and am looking forward to the new challenge ahead," said West.

"I have known Diamond for many years and he has given me a great opportunity and I can't wait to get started."

West also had a vast experience as a forwards coach of Northampton Saints in the last 11 years that saw the club clinch a Premiership title along with two European Challenge Cup wins.

Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond expressed confidence on West's abilities as the team looks for a change of fortune after the first four rounds where they managed a solitary win and are languishing at the bottom of the table.

"Dorian and I go back a long way and very rarely does a person with his qualities become available," said Diamond.

"Dorian is a proven winner as a player and a coach and he'll make a huge improvement looking after the club's forwards."

Sale Sharks are set to face Leicester Tigers next at Welford Road on 30th September in the fifth round of the Gallagher Premiership.