Jones hails Stan the Man

11:48am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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SALE Sharks coach Kingsley Jones has paid tribute to try-scoring hero Steve Hanley, who has been forced to quit the game at the age of 29.

Hanley has hung up his boots after failing to recover from a back injury he suffered seven months ago.

His final game for Sharks was in a 32-10 European Challenge Cup win against Bayonne on December 13.

During a 10-year stint with the Sale club, Hanley has rewritten the record books - establishing himself as the all-time Premiership top scorer.

And many feel his talents should have earned him more than his solitary England cap - when he scored a try and broke a wrist against Wales in 1999.

Jones said Hanley's contribution had been immense - and revealed the club is aiming to keep him involved in some capacity: "When you think of Sale Sharks you think of Steve Hanley.

"It is not very often players stay with a club as long as he has and he has been fantastic.

"He is a Cumbrian lad who has achieved as much as he possibly could at club level.

"It is just a pity he did not get more chance at international level."

He added: "He has a fantastic rugby knowledge and we want to keep him at the club - whether that will be in a coaching or community role we don't yet know."

Hanley told Messenger he has no regrets as he looks back on his illustrious career: "I have so many great memories and have made a many great friends.

"The highlights include my debut for Sale against Leicester, my home debut against Gloucester, the Parker pen Shield win in 2002 and establishing ourselves as a major force with big European wins."

He was proud to have won an England cap, and it could have been more if injuries had not intervened, such as when he dislocated his shoulder before the World Cup in 1999.

Fans can show their appreciation during Hanley's testimonial year, which was launched last week. Events lined up include a golf day, clay pigeon shoot, gala dinner and quiz night, capped off by a Legends game next July.

For more information visit his testimonial website by clicking here.