Sanderson: “I’m sorry we couldn’t send you off in the manner we both wanted”

The Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham was Jono Ross’ last game before retirement, and Sale Shark’s Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson, was saddened they couldn’t win the title for their retiring captain.

Sale Sharks lost the final 35-25 to Saracens in an epic encounter at Twickenham, but this pain would have been felt even more by Ross, who has been at Sale since 2017.

Sanderson, who made the number eight captain for the final, shared his appreciation for the Sale stalwart.

He said: “He’s another one I just thought put everything on the line.

“I’m going to miss him.

“Manu (Tuilagi) I’ve got another year with but Jono, for everything that he brings, I’m going to miss him.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t send you off in the manner we both wanted mate.”

Ross played the whole 80 tense and enthralling minutes at England Rugby’s HQ, and believes the game could have easily went the Manchester-based side’s way.

The 32-year-old said: “Ewan Ashman held up over the line, I think if we score there.

“I think it’s going to be tough to stop us.

“Turn around, they kick it, go and score, fine moments, small margins.

“I think they won those today.”

This was the South African’s first Premiership final and the club’s first since their title triumph in 2006, but he believes they have built a team that won’t be going anywhere.

“I’m really proud of this group,” he said.

“We’ve grown, we’ve improved.

“It’s the start of an era and I think as long as we head down next year, improve, I don’t see why this group won’t be here fighting for titles year in year out.”

With young northern talent such as Joe Carpenter, Gus Warr, Bevan Rodd and Tom Roebuck it’s clear to see why Ross believes Sale will get better under Sanderson’s tutelage.

Ross originally only joined Sale on a three-year deal in 2017, but has stayed six years, and the Sale has clearly left an impression on the South African.

He said: “It’s a special place.

“It’s grown over the years, over the last two years, and under Alex I think it’s gone to another level.

“I owe a lot to Alex, to this club, to the people of the club, Simon, Ged and Michelle.

“They’ve given me a lot.

“I’ve had two kids born in Manchester.

“It’ll always be our home, away from home.”

The back row forward made 150 appearances for Sale creating many memories, and he knows he will miss running out at the AJ Bell.

“I’ll miss Sale,” he said.

“I’ll miss rugby.

“But it was the right time for me to buy out.”

The back row forward will now hang his boots up and enjoy retirement.

“I’m going to enjoy a couple days with boys,” he said.

“Get back home, get on the farm.

“Enjoy some sun and then get cracking on the future.

“Enjoy time with my family.”

Whatever is next for the 32-year-old, it’s certain he will be remembered back in Manchester for a very long time despite Sale falling short on this occasion.

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