Paul Deacon and Mike Forshaw sign new Sale Sharks deals

Sale Sharks have given new four-year contracts to coaches Mike Forshaw and Paul Deacon.

Attack coach Deacon and defence specialist Forshaw have become key members of Steve Diamond's staff and are now committed to the Premiership club for the next four years.

Diamond told the Sale website: "After the recent takeover by Simon Orange and Ged Mason, the most important thing was to secure the current young talent in the squad on three/four year contacts and to extend the coaching contracts of Mike and Paul.

"Since the two arrived at Sale they have expanded our game significantly, and our stats often have us in the top four of the league both defensively and offensively."

Forshaw, who joined from Connacht in 2013, said: "It was a really easy decision to make to extend my time here.

"I've been pleased with the progression over the last few years, and I'm looking forward to keep building and keep developing the young talent we've got at the club."

And Deacon, on the staff for just over a year, said: "The club is going in the right direction, and one I want to be a part of as a northern rugby man."