Fancy that - Redpath joins Sale

In the least surprising behind-the-scenes move of the close-season, Bryan Redpath has been named as director of rugby at Sale Sharks. Gloucester fans will be forgiven if they don't collapse in shock.

When Redpath quit Glaws in April, Glaws said they would take legal action if they discovered that there had been an approach from the Sharks at that time.

However, Sale denied that there had been any contact and have now announced that they took an interest in Redpath’s return to the Greater Manchester club only when he became available.

Chief executive Steve Diamond told the Sharks website: “What I've always wanted since returning to the club was a proven coach in the Premiership, and in Bryan Redpath that's exactly what we've got.

"Bryan became available from Gloucester at the end of last season. As soon as he did, we were keen to talk to him. Following our discussions he agreed to be our director of rugby, and we are delighted."

Redpath himself added: "There have been a few changes here. Seven years away coaching down at Gloucester has been great for me and it's great to come back up. There are still a few old faces hanging around. I'm delighted with the move and am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

No matter what the cynics will think, the club and the fans have to accept that Redpath has gone. Glaws are allegedly well on the way to appointing a successor and, let’s face it, he wasn’t exactly setting the Premiership alight as a coach was he?

Redpath’s reception when sale visit Kingsholm next season will be interesting.

●MEANWHILE, Glaws have fixed pre-season fixtures as follows:

            Aug 11 - Leinster (a)

            Aug 17 – Cardiff Blues (h)

           Aug 23 – Doncaster Knights (h)