Mike Brewer has taken the reins at Sale © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Mike Brewer | Jason Robinson

Tournaments/Tours: Guinness Premiership

Teams: England | Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have appointed Mike Brewer as head coach for next season, spelling the end of Jason Robinson's time with the Guinness Premiership club.

Robinson has decided to leave at the end of the current season in order to focus on farming and other interests outside of the game. With Kingsley Jones remaining in his role as director of rugby, the Sharks will hope that former All Black Brewer will invigorate their efforts in the next campaign.

Brewer, a former Scotland forwards coach during Frank Hadden's reign, won 32 caps for New Zealand and played in the 1995 World Cup final against South Africa in Johannesburg. Sale have endured a difficult season at the bottom of the Premiership and are currently in 11th position, above only relegated Worcester.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the best clubs in the Guinness Premiership," Brewer said. "I am looking forward to working with Kingsley, the other coaches and the players. Although results this season have been disappointing I believe that this squad has tremendous potential to achieve great success in coming seasons."

Robinson was happy to step aside after ensuring that his long-time club would remain a fixture in the Premiership.

"When Kingsley asked me to help out last year I felt that I couldn't let him or the club down in what was always going to be a very challenging season," he said. "While I had no plans to go into coaching I was delighted to respond in the club's hour of need. Having now made sure that Sale Sharks will be playing Guinness Premiership rugby next year I feel that the time is right to let another coach take up the mantle."