Fears Sale Shark has played last game for club: 'Can’t see it healing in time'

Director of rugby Alex Sanderson fears Rob du Preez has played his final game for Sale Sharks after the centre sustained a bad hamstring injury in his side’s convincing 52-33 win over Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop.

Du Preez, who is moving to French club Bayonne this summer, limped off after just 17 minutes as the Sharks ran in eight tries, George Ford converting six of them.

He has made a record 88 consecutive Premiership appearances but Sanderson admitted: “He’s in a great deal of pain and can’t see it healing in time before the end of the season.

“It’s such a shame. The boys had wanted to play well and win it for Rob because he’s one of the lads moving on.”

Sanderson, whose side boosted their chances of a Champions Cup spot, never thought about quitting after that embarrassing loss to Saracens last weekend.

He insisted: “No, no, never. I’m fully aware of what’s been said. But leaving this group never crossed my mind. I accept the responsibility and was culpable for what happened.

“It’s been the most brutal season but I don’t know a coach who has not been through this. I’m still quite emotional because of the rollercoaster it has been. It toughens and steels you.

“It was a test of character as last week was the perfect storm. We all will learn from it and put us in a better position next year.

“Every team which has enjoyed success over the last few years has been in the same situation as us.

“I just want to win all the remaining games. For all the lads who are leaving we want to finish the season with fond memories and a Champions Cup place for next season.”

Former England lock Joe Launchbury brought down the curtain on his playing career with a 48-minute appearance for Quins.

The 35-year-old forward – capped 70 times – is retiring and was given an emotional send-off by the home fans.

He was applauded onto the field with his wife and children beforehand, and then when he left it early in the second half.

Coach Jason Gilmore, whose side have won just three of their 14 Premiership games, conceded “concentration” was at fault for another big loss.

He said: “It would have been nice to send Joe off with a win but it wasn’t to be.

“We spoke about discipline beforehand but our discipline was not good. When we got to their line we scored some good points but couldn’t keep our foot on the throat.

“It is a concentration problem. We have four games left and we have to make sure we nail a Champions Cup spot.”