Alex Sanderson

Alex Sanderson is Director of Rugby at Sale Sharks, in post since January 2021 and contracted to the end of the 2026–27 season.

Born in Chester in October 1979, he was a back-row forward for Sale and then Saracens, before a chronic back injury forced him to retire in 2005 at just 25. He won five England caps between 2001 and 2003, scoring on debut against Romania.

The Saracens years

He joined the Saracens coaching staff in 2008, progressing from forwards coach to forwards and defence coach, and became a central figure in the club’s dynasty — widely credited with building both their defensive system and much of their culture. He was part of staff for five Premiership titles and three Champions Cups, all as an assistant.

Sale

He replaced Steve Diamond in 2021 and took Sale to the 2023 Premiership final and three consecutive top-four finishes. The 2025–26 season was the opposite: he sacked his own head coach appointment Marco Bortolami after six months, Sale won three of thirteen at one stage and lost 85–19 at home to Saracens, and his position was openly reported as under review. He survived.

Style

A man-management and culture specialist above all — players routinely say they would run through walls for him — technically rooted in defence and the breakdown, playing a forward-heavy, low-error territorial game. He has not won a trophy as a head coach or director.