Former Wales coach returns to rugby full-time after quitting job for personal reasons

Wales’ last defence coach has returned home and starts work with immediate effect

Former Wales defence coach Mike Forshaw has returned to full-time rugby after quitting his last job just two months in due to personal reasons.

Forshaw was released by Wales in the summer after Warren Gatland’s exit during the Six Nations and was quickly appointed by Leicester Tigers. But he left that role after a matter of weeks as his sick wife underwent treatment.

Now, he has returned to Sale Sharks as full-time defence coach. Forshaw spent 10 years at the club before being chosen by Gatland to be part of his backroom staff. The 56-year-old has been working at Sale on an interim basis during the recent Prem Cup campaign but will now take on a full-time role with immediate effect.

“I left Sale for the right reasons but I always felt like I had unfinished business,” he said. “Coming back has come sooner than I thought it would, but it’s a great fit for me and my family. I think my car drove itself here.

“I can’t wait to get back into Prem Rugby. Over the next couple years we’ve got an opportunity to really reinforce that Sharks DNA and push us forwards.

“It’s a big challenge for us this season because we’ve got a tough run in and there’s a real job to do to make sure we end the season well. We’re not where we want to be in the table but there’s a really good squad of players here and there’s still plenty to drive for.

“We won’t be throwing in the towel and we want to carry on swinging until June. I want us to be tough to break down and difficult to play against.

“I really enjoyed coaching at international level and I had some amazing experiences, going to a World Cup and Six Nations championships. In my first year it felt strange not to be coaching every day and it took a bit of getting used to.

“I thrive on being on the field and I can’t wait to get back into the day-to-day of coaching in the Prem. I feel it’s the right time for me personally and professionally.

“The club seems busier than when I left but as soon as I walked in it felt like home. There are loads of familiar faces among the players and coaches and it’s been great to catch up with them all.”

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Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “We’re really blessed and excited to be able to welcome Forsh back to the club.

“He’s a top quality, international level coach and on a personal and professional level, it’s a great fit for both him and the club.

“He’s clearly got unfinished business here and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring to our defence.”