Mike Forshaw has returned to the club where he spent ten years as a coach after being appointed Sharks’ new men’s Defence Coach on a permanent basis.
One of the most respected defence coaches in the game, ‘Forsh’ spent ten years at Sale before leaving in 2023 to take up an opportunity with the Welsh national team.
The 56-year-old former rugby league star left his role with Wales in July, 2025, to join Geoff Parling’s coaching team at Leicester Tigers, but left two months later for personal reasons.
Mike re-joined the Sharks’ coaching staff on a temporary basis last year ahead of the Prem Rugby Cup period when Defence Coach Byron McGuigan joined up with England. Now, following the departure of Byron, Mike will take up his former role ahead of a busy period of Gallagher PREM and Investec Champions Cup action.
Mike said: “I left Sale for the right reasons but I always felt like I had unfinished business. Coming back has come sooner than I thought it would, but it’s a great fit for me and my family. I think my car drove itself here.
“I can’t wait to get back into Prem Rugby. Over the next couple years we’ve got an opportunity to really reinforce that Sharks DNA and push us forwards.
“It’s a big challenge for us this season because we’ve got a tough run in and there’s a real job to do to make sure we end the season well. We’re not where we want to be in the table but there’s a really good squad of players here and there’s still plenty to drive for.
“We won’t be throwing in the towel and we want to carry on swinging until June. I want us to be tough to break down and difficult to play against.
“I really enjoyed coaching at international level and I had some amazing experiences, going to a World Cup and Six Nations championships. In my first year it felt strange not to be coaching every day and it took a bit of getting used to.
“I thrive on being on the field and I can’t wait to get back into the day-to-day of coaching in the Prem. I feel it’s the right time for me personally and professionally.
“The club seems busier than when I left but as soon as I walked in it felt like home. There are loads of familiar faces among the players and coaches and it’s been great to catch up with them all.”
Mike’s second stint at Sale begins with a tough challenge away at Exeter Chiefs on Saturday as the Gallagher PREM resumes after the Six Nations break.
Mike added: “It’s a daunting task because they’re a team with want. They want to dominate you in the ruck and they want to beat you physically. They won the game up here right at the death and that’s a habit that we want to get out of.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “We’re really blessed and excited to be able to welcome Forsh back to the club.
“He’s a top quality, international level coach and on a personal and professional level, it’s a great fit for both him and the club.
“He’s clearly got unfinished business here and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring to our defence.”
