Alex Sanderson announces new deal live on TNT Sports - 'A servant to this club and you guys for the next three years'

The good news kept coming for Sale Sharks after Alex Sanderson announced his contract extension live on TNT Sports.

The Sharks director of rugby revealed the news after their 31-22 Gallagher Premiership win over Leicester Tigers, which saw them move up into the top four.

After being teed up TNT Sports presenter Craig Doyle, Sanderson took centre stage and said: "I am delighted to announce that I've finally got round to signing the contract that has been in the drawer since Christmas.

“I am with this motley crew and a servant to this club and you guys for the next three years.

“I'm very happy about it.”

Sanderson also spoke in more detail about the reasons for signing the new deal in a statement published on the club website: “I love it here and there are so many reasons to want to stay for at least three more years, and build on what we’ve already achieved.

“The group that I’ve grown to know and love is a group that I want to spend time with. I feel like we’re just getting to know each other better and when you build that trust, things start to fire on the pitch.

“The ambitions of the club are aligned with my own. I think our ambitions have grown given the taste we had and how close we got last season. 

“That’s not enough for us and collectively, from the owners down, we’re pulling towards greatness. I really believe we can create a powerhouse in the north and a lasting legacy, and that comes down to the passion we all share.

“I’m also a proud northerner and to be able to coach and live in this part of the world, where I come from, is reason to get up in the morning.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone at the club and we’ve still got everything to play for this season. We’ve got four weeks to win it all, when four weeks ago, no-one gave us a chance. That’s driving me.”

While Sanderson may be staying, Sam James marked what will more than likely be his final home game for the Sharks with a superb try and set up Tom O'Flaherty’s bonus-point score.

Sale moved up to third in the table with this win, but are likely to need a victory away at Saracens on the final day of the season to secure a top-four finish.

Gus Warr and Tommy Taylor set the Sharks on their way to a much-needed win, while Manu Tuilagi also made a telling impact on his final home game for the Lancashire outfit.

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