Hanley hangs up his boots
July 18 2008
Sale Sharks wing Steve Hanley has been forced to retire from playing due to a back injury sustained in a European Challenge Cup game against Bayonne last season.
Hanley announced his retirement to the audience at his Testimonial Launch at Edgeley Park.
Hanley joined Sale Sharks in 1998 from Aspatria and made his debut against Cardiff. In all Hanley played 191 games for Sale Sharks scoring 104 tries including a record of 75 in the Premiership which still stands today.
Hanley also played for England in 1999 against Wales at Wembley, scoring a try in the process.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sale Sharks and have some great memories playing for the club," said Hanley
"Helping the club to its first piece of silverware in 2002, by beating Pontypridd was very special. I have however been struggling with a disc problem in my back, since the Bayonne game and have received medical advice in that I will not recover enough to be able to play Premiership rugby again.
"Sale Sharks have been good to me and I have always given my best for the team."
"It was a pleasure to play in the same team as Steve, he is a great lad and as his statistics show, one of the best finishers in the game," said former team mate Jason Robinson.
Elsewhere, Northampton utility-back Robbie Kydd looks set to leave Franklin's Gardens this summer.
Rumours in the local press are that Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder has decided that the injury-hit 26-year-old is no longer part of his Premiership plans.
Kydd missed the majority of last season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and currently has a year remaining on his contract, but is apparently negotiating with Saints regarding his premature exit.