Hanley forced to quit

Sale wing hangs up his boots after failing to recover from injury

Last updated: 18th July 2008  

Hanley forced to quit

Hanley: Quitting rugby

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Sale Sharks wing Steve Hanley has been forced to quit the sport after failing to fully recover from a back injury sustained in the game against Bayonne last season.

Hanley, who scored 104 tries in 191 games for the Sharks, announced his retirement to the audience at his testimonial launch at Edgeley Park.

Hanley joined Sale Sharks in 1998 from Aspatria and holds the record of 75 tries in the Premiership.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sale Sharks and have some great memories playing for the club," said Hanley, who scored a try on his England debut against Wales in 199.

"Helping the club to its first piece of silverware in 2002, by beating Pontypridd was very special. I have however been struggling with a disc problem in my back, since the Bayonne game and have received medical advice in that I will not recover enough to be able to play Premiership rugby again.

"Sale Sharks have been good to me and I have always given my best for the team."

Comments (7)

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Edward Farrow says...

we will miss you

Posted 07:37 3rd August 2008

Ben Craven says...

mate you'll be missed by many

Posted 04:20 24th July 2008

Redge Redge says...

thats a really unlucky injury for hanley. its a pity when someone has to stop for medical reasons. wish him all the best.

Posted 01:23 24th July 2008

Colin Hicks says...

Sale will miss Steve. I do believe he should have got more caps than he did for England.

Posted 14:09 22nd July 2008

Ed Nell says...

Really sad that such a talented player has had to retire at a relatively young age in rugby terms. I remember when he made his England debut and really thought he would end up making many more appearances but that was it for him after scoring a try and breaking his arm in the same match. He's been a loyal servant to Sale... good luck for the future Steve

Posted 08:54 19th July 2008

Colin Jones says...

Having seen Sale Sharks quite a bit over the last few years at home, I can honestly say that Steve Hanley has not only been an asset to the Sharks but to rugby in general, he was a very skillful winger and was always good to watch. A sad loss to the game. I hope he can find success in what ever he does outside of playing....Thank you.

Posted 17:02 18th July 2008

Owain Griffiths says...

Many times i remeber seeing Steve Hanley running down our wing here at Headingley to score a try it is bad news for rugby on a whole but i think some of Sale's main rivals will have a wry smile on their faces .

Posted 15:17 18th July 2008
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