Diamond to shine at the Rugby Season Awards ?

Steve Diamond, of Sale Sharks, has been nominated for the Guinness Director of Rugby of the Season award, at Wednesday’s Aviva Premiership Awards.

“This season was the most testing in Premiership Rugby history for our Directors of Rugby and Head Coaches with the late start due to the Rugby World Cup and the challenge of back to back competition in what is already one of the most competitive and intense environments in world rugby. This quartet and all their players have made a significant contribution to a compelling season and fully deserve to make this short list. ”

The shortlist is:

• Rob Baxter – Exeter Chiefs
• Steve Diamond – Sale Sharks
• Mark McCall – Saracens
• Dai Young – Wasps

Diamond has been involved with Sale Sharks for most of his professional career in various different guises and knows the club inside out.

An abrasive hooker as a player, his eleven years as a player at Sale stood him in good stead as he made a return in 2001, alongside Jim Mallinder, to coach the team. After stints with England Saxons, Saracens and the Russian National Team, ‘Dimes’ returned to Sale, taking over from the departing Mike Brewer.

Often combining a number of roles, including CEO at one time, Diamond has overseen a challenging change at the club. His no nonsense approach has won him a loyal fan base at Sale Sharks and he will hope that after a few years of uncertainty and transition, he has assembled a coaching and playing staff capable of returning the club to its former glory.