Steve Diamond reveals the reason for sudden Sale exit

The 52-year-old revealed on Rugby Tonight that the death of his mother last year, 12 months after his brother passed away, and a terminal cancer diagnosis for his sister prompted his decision to leave.

Commenting on his long tenure with the Sharks, Diamond said: "I built with Simon (Orange) and Ged (Mason) a fantastic management team, a great club, really solid foundations and I thought if there was a time for me to step aside and let the other people come through that was the best time,

"The last four weeks have rejuvenated me and at the right time I'll get back in the horse, but it was the right thing for me to do at the time."

Here we look at four possible replacements for the departing boss.

After being forced out of Tigers, the former England hooker has established himself as a top coach once again with Edinburgh in the Top 14 despite having a lack of resources. A move back to the Premiership with Sale, who have a stunning new training ground, could make sense.

The early favourite. Following England’s Rugby World Cup failure, Lancaster has re-established himself as a top coach since joining Leinster. The 51-year-old seemed to be in the running for any and every job in both hemispheres before the Irish side offered him the role as senior coach. His philosophy and work ethic may match up well with Sale.

He's tough, he's experienced and he's available to join with immediate effect. Young would very much fit the mould of what the club have gone for in past.

Richards’ has restored his reputation as one of the top Directors of Rugby in England since taking over at the Falcons. Sale could offer him the chance to work with a bigger budget than he has had in recent years. However, there is also the question of whether Richards would consider leaving Newcastle, where he seems very settled.