Sale Sharks have confirmed that they have switched Bryan Redpath's job description to head coach after removing him from the director of rugby role yesterday.

The 41-year-old was dismissed from his former position following the side's worst start to an Aviva Premiership season ever after losing their opening seven matches.

Sale owner Brian Kennedy released a statement, which said: "We are delighted to announce that Bryan Redpath will be taking on the role of head coach of Sale Sharks as from today. His four-year contract that commenced this year will stay in force."

Reports had previously claimed that Redpath was to be offered a new position as a backs coach.