Sale Sharks have announced that head coach Marco Bortolami has left the club “by mutual consent due to unforeseen circumstances” after just six months in charge. The decision comes as a surprise to fans, given Bortolami’s reputation as one of Italy’s most-capped rugby players and his successful coaching tenure in Europe.

Bortolami’s Time at Sale Sharks

The 45-year-old Italian joined Sale Sharks in June 2025, taking on the head coach role alongside director of rugby Alex Sanderson. Bortolami had previously spent nine years at Benetton Rugby, where he made a name for himself both as a player and a coach, before moving to the Premiership Rugby club in England.

During his short tenure, Sale Sharks recorded two wins and four defeats from six matches, leaving the club seventh in the Premiership standings.

“I would like to thank everyone at Sale for making me feel so welcome during my time at the club,” Bortolami said in a statement. “I wish the club every success in the remainder of the season.”

Career Highlights

Bortolami is renowned for his distinguished playing career, having won 111 caps for Italy, and captained his national side with distinction. His move into coaching has been marked by successful stints with Benetton Rugby in Italy and developing emerging talent in European rugby.

His appointment at Sale was seen as a strategic move to bolster the club’s coaching structure and inject international experience into the squad.

Sale Sharks’ Future Plans

With Bortolami’s departure, Sale Sharks now face the challenge of identifying a new head coach to lead the team through the remainder of the 2025-26 Premiership season. The club’s leadership, including Alex Sanderson, will likely evaluate both internal and external candidates to maintain stability and performance.

The club thanked Bortolami for his contributions, emphasizing that his professionalism and experience have been greatly appreciated.

Context in the Premiership

Sale Sharks have experienced a mixed start to the 2025-26 Premiership Rugby season, making the head coach role crucial for building momentum. Bortolami’s exit, though unexpected, reflects the pressures faced by top-tier rugby coaches in maintaining results while managing squads in competitive leagues.