Michael "Mike" Forshaw is an English former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who played in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, and who then moved into coaching. He began his playing career with Wigan in 1987 and went on to play for Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls and Warrington Wolves.
After retiring from playing in 2004 he rejoined Warrington to look after Strength & Conditioning of the players until November 2006. He returned to his boyhood club and teamed up with his old coach Brian Noble in December 2006 when he took over as strength & conditioning coach for Wigan Warriors.
Known as “the ultimate professional” during his playing days, former rugby league legend Mike Forshaw joined Steve Diamond’s coaching set up in the summer of 2013 as defence coach.
In a playing career that spanned 17 years, Forshaw played for Wigan, Wakefield Trinity, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and Warrington Wolves, as well as England and Great Britain. During his time at Bradford, he was part of a team that dominated the sport in the late 90’s and early 00’s.
After retiring in 2004, he worked as Strength and Conditioning coach at Warrington, before undertaking the same role with Brian Noble’s Wigan. Forshaw then ventured into rugby union, spending three years working with Ireland and Connacht, helping the Pro12 side into the Heineken Cup for the first time, before being convinced to return to the North-West and join up with Sale Sharks.
Career
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Wales Assistant Coach |
2023 - present |
 |
Sale Sharks Coach |
2013 - 2023 |
