Sale Sharks have appointed Marco Bortolami as head coach to work alongside director of rugby Alex Sanderson.
The ex-Italy forward replaces Paul Deacon, who left the club on Wednesday after holding the role since 2020.
Bortolami, 45, has been head coach of United Rugby Championship (URC) club Benetton for the past four years.
His Benetton contract ran until June 2026, but in February the Italian club announced it would be terminated early and he would leave at the end of the season.
The former captain won 111 caps during a playing career which included four years in the Premiership with Gloucester.
“I’m really excited and honoured to be part of this family,” Bortolami told the club’s website.
“The club has been building for the last few years and to have the chance now to come and contribute is unbelievable.”
