Sale statement: The exit of Coenie Oosthuizen

Sale have got back to work following their post-Gallagher Premiership trip to Marbella by confirming that former Springboks prop Coenie Oosthuizen won’t be part of Alex Sanderson’s squad for the 2023/24 season.

The Sharks were beaten 35-25 in last Saturday’s Twickenham final by Saracens and Oosthuizen was a 46th-minute replacement, coming on what Sanderson decided to change his entire front row in one fell swoop with Sale trailing 18-20.

The South African played his part in getting his team into a 25-23 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining. But Sale were overrun in the closing minutes and four days after the final, it has now been confirmed that the game was Oosthuizen’s last outing after four years with the Manchester club.

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A statement read: “Sale Sharks can confirm that prop Coenie Oosthuizen will leave the club to return to South African side Cell C Sharks. The 34-year-old Springbok, who can play on either side of the scrum, arrived in Manchester in May 2019 from the Durban-based Super Rugby side.

“He has gone on to make 94 appearances for Sale, including 16 this season as Alex Sanderson’s men reached their first Premiership final in 17 years. Coenie made his debut for the Springboks in 2012 and has since won 30 international caps.

“Everyone at Sale Sharks would like to thank Coenie for his contribution to the club and the team during his time here and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Sale boss Sanderson said: “Since he arrived in Manchester, Coenie has been a massive part of this team and this club, and everyone is going to miss him. On the field, he is a fantastic player but off it, he has been a real leader for us in what is a young squad.”