Rugby : PSA To Join Toulon

It was announced today that Philippe Saint Andre will be joining Toulon Rugby Club at the start of the 2009/2010 season. Following his decision last December to step down from the position of Director of Rugby at Sale Sharks at the end of the 2008/2009 season, Philippe received many approaches to manage top clubs from around the world. Philippe has now decided that he will return to his native France to take on his next challenge at Toulon Rugby Club as the Director of Sport. Toulon have one of the biggest squads in the Top 14, but have struggled recently and are currently bottom of the French premier league.

The Board of Sale Sharks has already announced that Kingsley Jones is to become Director of Rugby at the end of this season, but believe that the time is now right for Kingsley to assume overall responsibility for the senior squad as part of an orderly and smooth handover from Philippe to Kingsley. Philippe will stay at the Club until the end of the season and will remain an integral and important part of our rugby management team. Philippe will support Kingsley in all areas and will continue to work with the Club to achieve the goal of a second Guinness Premiership Championship.

Commenting on this announcement Brian Kennedy owner of Sale Sharks said,

“ I wish Philippe well in his new role at Toulon when he takes up his position next season. I am sure that Philippe will respond to the challenges ahead of him and that the Toulon fans will be excited to learn that one the all time greats of French rugby will be taking over next season. In the meantime Philippe’s main priority for the rest of this season will be on winning a second Guinness Premiership final for Sale Sharks and he will continue to work closely with Kingsley to achieve this goal. Philippe will always remain a friend of the club and all Sale Sharks fans will remain indebted to Philippe for the success he has achieved during his time at the club.

Commenting on this announcement Kingsley Jones said,

“ I am delighted that Philippe will be working with the team until the end of the season. I know that Philippe wants to win the Guinness Premiership as much as anybody at the Club and his experience and rugby knowledge will be invaluable to us as we attempt to win our second Guinness Premiership.”