Sale Sharks have announced the appointment of Darren Lamon to the newly-created position of Head of Women’s Rugby to leave the Sale Sharks Women’s team into the elite domestic league in the country. 

Darren comes to Sale Sharks from the Sharks Community Trust and Academy, where he has been the Rugby Development Manager and Academy Coach Development Officer since 2018. Previously working as a Rugby Development Officer and Academy Coach (Volunteer) for 7 years, as well as North of England Women’s Divisional Coach from 2013 – 2016 and Head Coach of the Malta 7s & Development Women’s Squad 2011 – 2012.

The Head of Women’s Rugby role will include responsibility for all elements of the Women’s rugby programme at Sale Sharks, from the Centre of Excellence programme in collaboration with England Rugby and the Constitutional Bodies (Cheshire & Lancashire). And of course, the Sale Sharks Women’s club side who will compete in the Tyrrells Premier 15 competition.

He was understandably excited when the news was announced this week.

Darren said: “I’m absolutely delighted! I’ve been involved with rugby for a long time and have been involved with Sale Sharks in various roles. This is a terrifically challenging role, and one that I can’t wait to get stuck into the nature of the position, overseeing all aspects of Women’s rugby, including the Sale Sharks Women’s squad and performance staff competing in the Tyrrells Premier 15s. It has been an ambition of the club for a while now to get a women’s team up and running and full credit the owners for making this happen.  We see this as a fantastic opportunity to promote the women’s game and accelerate the development of all female players in the North West. We have seen in the past year alone there is a huge interest within the region for the women’s game and we hope to welcome as many female rugby players and fans to the AJ Bell Stadium next season.”

Reporting directly to Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond, Darren`s remit will cover all aspects of the women’s and girls’ game, from grassroots to performance.

Steve said: “I think what I’ll bring from my previous roles is a proven blueprint for success.  We need to grow the game, so we need to get more girls active and aspiring to play rugby.  Hopefully having some of the best talent in the country playing on our doorstep and coaching in the community, we will raise the profile of the game.  I will be bringing across aspects of the Sale Sharks Academy, regarded as one of the best in the country, to create a ‘Centre of Excellence’ that will complete to be the best development pathway in the female game.  I would envisage working with the excellent regional England Rugby staff and creating partnerships with current Head Coaches of Senior Women’s Squads & U18s coaches along with all stakeholders”.

Source & Image: www.salesharks.com