On This Day: Jason Robinson named as Sale coach in 2009

The game of rugby offers many things that stick easily in the minds of fans across the world, and the sight of one Jason Robinson, ball in hand, is one such thing.

With lightning speed and footwork which would baffle even the most wily of defenders, Robinson was one of those rare players who could set a game alight and turn any sterile situation into something of real substance and excitement.

On this day eleven years ago, Robinson was named as Sale Sharks’ new head coach. The appointment, however, lasted only a year before some upheaval at the club saw a changing of the guard and New Zealander Mike Brewer was brought in as Robinson’s replacement. As a player for Sale, Robinson was electric, scoring over 200 points for the club and leading them to their first ever Premiership title in 2005.

Robinson was involved in rugby league for nine years before switching to the 15-man code and went on to win 51 caps for England – including the World Cup in 2003 – as well as 5 for the British & Irish Lions with whom he toured twice. He was also the first black player to captain the English side – in 2005.