The man who has overseen Sale Sharks rise from relegation fodder to securing top-flight European rugby for next season has been nominated for the Guinness Director of Rugby of the season award.
In a little over a year Steve Diamond has turned the club around after stepping back into the action from his role as CEO he has managed Sale to their current position of sixth in the league with two games remaining.
The combative former hooker is not the only Shark to receive recognition for their performances this year with Sale skipper Dan Braid among those short-listed for Premiership player of the year.
Diamond is up against Saracens’ Mark McCall and Leicester boss Richard Cockerill with Phil Winstanley, Rugby Director of Premiership Rugby, praising the role that the former Russia coach has played.
“Steve has had a massive impact; after a tough season last season he has led the Sharks into the top six against the expectations of most pundits and they can now look forward to elite European competition next season,” he said.
The club has a big game this weekend against Leicester Tigers, who sit above the Sharks in fourth position, and Diamond wants Sale to finish the season on a high.
“I am delighted to be short listed for the award. We’ve been able to compete with the top teams in the league this year, and reached our first European quarterfinal for the first time since 2008,” he explained.
“We’re now looking to finish the season strongly and have a break before we start planning for next season.”
Main image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
