Ex-Wasps boss Tony Hanks joins Sale as first-team coach

Hanks has spent spells at Waikato, Chiefs and Wasps

Sale Sharks have appointed former Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks as first-team coach.

The 40-year-old, who left Wasps as director of rugby in February, will look after the side's attack, game plan and defence.

Hanks has also spent spells with Waikato and Super 14 side the Chiefs.

Sale director of sport Steve Diamond said: "He is the final piece of the off-field jigsaw and we are delighted he has chosen to join us."

Hanks added: "With so many players joining to form a much-changed team, it's a great time to be involved and I share the massive sense of anticipation at the club."

The New Zealand-born former Junior All Blacks skill coach spent two spells at Wasps, initially working under Warren Gatland in 2002 to help the side win the Heineken Cup and three Premiership titles.

He re-joined the club after a stint in New Zealand in 2008, initially working alongside then director of rugby, Sir Ian McGeechan, as a coach.

He took over at the the London club after McGeechan's departure and led the side to fifth place in the Premiership in 2010 - his first full season in charge - but left the club by mutual consent after a run of one win in six games with Wasps sixth in the Premiership.

Diamond added: "Tony has worked with some of the best teams in the world and brings a level of experience and achievement that will be of immediate benefit.

"There was tremendous interest in this position and Tony has emerged ahead of several other high profile and experienced coaches."

Hanks will work alongside forwards coach Steve Scott, academy transition coach Pete Anglesea and performance manager Nigel Ashley-Jones.