Johnny Leota to leave Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have confirmed that former player and current Senior Academy Coach Johnny Leota will leave the club to return to New Zealand, ending a 15-year association as both a player and coach.

Johnny Leota To Leave Sale Sharks

Leota joined Sale in 2011 on an initial two-year deal and quickly became a popular figure at the club. During his playing career, the former Samoa international made 135 appearances and scored 27 tries, including a hat-trick against La Vila in the European Challenge Cup.

His final game for Sale came in February 2019. After retiring from playing, he moved into coaching and development roles within the club structure, continuing his contribution off the field.

Leota’s Coaching Role At Sale Sharks

Since joining the coaching staff, Leota has held several positions across the academy and wider rugby programme. His responsibilities included player liaison work, junior academy skills coaching, leading the under-18s, coaching in the women’s setup and working with the senior academy.

He also took charge of the first team in Prem Rugby Cup fixtures and remained active in the wider regional game through coaching and playing links with local clubs and university rugby.

Return To New Zealand Ends 15-Year Stay

Leota is set to return to New Zealand to take up a coaching role with Manawatu, where his rugby journey began. His departure closes a significant chapter for Sale, with the club losing a long-serving figure who contributed across multiple levels of the organisation.

“I only planned to come here for two years and then I was going to go home and retire. To be still here 15 years later is incredible but I can honestly say that joining Sale Sharks was the best decision I have ever made – not just as a player but as a person too.

“I’ve done things I never thought I would so – like running a marathon and graduating – and I’ve made some incredible friends and made some amazing memories.

“I’ve been surrounded by so many good people and we’ve gone through some really tough times together but that helped us all create bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime".