Alex Sanderson: 'He's the kind of guy you want on the bus'

Sale Sharks’ Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has paid tribute to defence coach Byron McGuigan, who has left the club by mutual consent.

Former Scotland winger McGuigan has spent the last 10 years at the Salford-based club, as a player and coach, but has now moved on to ‘pursue other opportunities.’

McGuigan, 36, was part of England’s coaching team during the summer tour to Argentina, the Quilter Nations Series and the recent Six Nations, combining the role with his position at Sale, where he has been a member of Sanderson’s staff for the past three seasons.

Arguably his most notable achievement as Sale’s defence coach was the 38-0 win over Bristol at Ashton Gate in December 2024, when McGuigan’s defensive strategy successfully ‘caged the bear’.

It was the first time since 2016 Bristol had failed to score a point in a Premiership match as their trademark attacking game was stopped in its tracks.

“Byron’s contribution to the club as a player and then as a coach has been huge. He’s been a massive part of what we’ve achieved, and who we are as a club, and his influence will be felt in whatever we achieve in the future,” said Sanderson.

“He’s grown with the team as a player and then grown as a coach in the last couple of years to achieve what most coaches want, and that’s international honours, and we’re so proud of him for that.

“He was a great player and he’s a brilliant coach, but most importantly, he’s a great bloke and he’s the kind of guy you want on the bus. That’s felt squad-wide and you can see it in his rapport with the players. He’ll be missed by everyone at the club.

“Personally, we didn’t achieve everything we wanted to do together because we wanted to win cups, but I know our paths will cross again. I look forward to seeing him achieve great things in the future.”

McGuigan, who won 10 caps for Scotland, said: “After 10 incredible years with Sale Sharks, I’m hugely grateful for the memories, the people, and the opportunity to represent and later coach this club. It’s been a privilege every step of the way.

“Special thanks to the owners – Michelle, Simon and Ged – who are incredible people who make this all happen. I can’t thank them enough for everything they do for Northern Rugby and Sale Sharks.

“Thank you to the fans, who have always supported me and to the players – you’ve been incredible to play with and coach. I’ve made memories and friendships that I’ll keep forever.”

Given his Scottish connections, the vacant Edinburgh defence coach job could have tempted McGuigan away, although Chinnor Director of Rugby Nick Easter has been heavily linked with that role.

As for the Sharks, a solution to their search for a new defence coach could be on the doorstep in the form of Mike Forshaw, who filled in for McGuigan, on an interim basis, whilst he was away on international duty for the two PREM Rugby Cup blocks.

Forshaw returned to the North West earlier this season due to family reasons, after a short stint at Leicester Tigers, having previously coached defence at the Sharks for 10 years before joining the Wales national setup in 2023.