BRYAN Redpath has left his position at Sale Sharks with immediate effect.

The former Scotland scrum-half originally joined Sale Sharks as a player in 2000 and captained the side to their first ever final victory in 2002 when the team beat Pontypridd at the Kassam Stadium.

He moved to Gloucester in 2005 when he was appointed Head Coach and then Director of Rugby before re-joining Sale Sharks in 2012.

Sale Sharks Owner Brian Kennedy said: “Bryan was the first player I signed when I bought the club in the summer of 2000.

"He was a stellar player who captained the side in 2002 when we finished second in the Premiership and won the Parker Pen Shield.

"He gave five years sterling service to the club as a player and when he left us to join Gloucester where he was a big success as Director of Rugby.

"Since re-joining us in 2012 he has worked with Steve Diamond and helped guide the club to a sixth place finish last season, and has helped give us an opportunity to have a similar or better finish this season. Bryan is a man I respect and I wish him well.”

Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said: “I would like to thank Bryan for his contribution to the club over the last three seasons.

"Bryan played a big part in helping us finishing sixth last season and leaves us in good shape as we aim to finish as high as possible in the table.

"Bryan has also helped with bringing some of the youngsters through. I am sorry to see him leave and wish him all the best for the future.”

Redpath said: “I would like to thank the owners, coaches, players and staff for all their help and support since I returned to the club in 2012. Also to the supporters who have been great with me both as a player and as a coach.”

Meanwhile, Sharks supporters will have the chance to meet some of their favourite players at a re-scheduled the fans evening on May 5 from 7pm but the event at the AJ Bell Stadium, starts at 5-30pm.

Fans will be able to also meet the management staff, take part in a question and answer session with Steve Diamond and players and go behind the scenes including the dressing rooms and talk to head of performance Adam Grainger about team preparations for game days.

You can also take part in pie sampling as the club are making pies in house and they want your opinions.

Customer Services Director Dave Swanton said, “ We held a fans night last season and everyone had a great night.

"The fans have been asking for another event and May 5 is in the week running up to the last home game of the season against Newcastle Falcons.

"The event is open to all Sale Sharks fans and we would ask them to register their interest by emailing us on info@salesharks.com with their name, telephone number and how many will be attending with them on the evening.”