Image:Tony Hanks: Has left Sale with immediate effect
Head coach Tony Hanks has left Sale Sharks with "immediate effect and by mutual consent" following Friday's 45-9 home defeat by Saracens.
Sharks part company with head coach
Head coach Tony Hanks has left Sale Sharks with "immediate effect and by mutual consent".
The former Wasps director of rugby only joined Sale in July 2011 and was responsible for the attack, defence and team game-plan.
However, Hanks has now left Edgeley Park following their 45-9 thumping by Saracens on Friday night.
Sale chief executive Steve Diamond said: "It has been a season of great change at Sale Sharks and I would like to thank Tony for his help in implementing that change.
"The owners, directors, players and supporters all wish Tony well in the future. In the meantime our work continues."
Hanks leaves with the club lying seventh in the Premiership standings and still in with a chance of qualifying for next season's Heineken Cup.
However, the cracks have been showing in recent weeks, with the mauling by Saracens the third game in a row in which Sale have conceded more than 30 points.
Sale are next in action at bottom club Newcastle on Friday night.
