Hodgson has been a fan favourite during his 11 years at the club, contributing 1,845 Premiership points as well as helping them lift the trophy in 2006.

And although he is heading south, Hodgson has reassured Sharks fans that Sale will always be the result he looks out for first.

“Obviously I’ve got a job to do first and foremost and think about the aftermath once I’ve finished the game,” Hodgson said.

“I’ve been fortunate to be at a club that I’ve enjoyed being at. Even though I’m going, I’ll always be a Sale fan.

“Steve Diamond’s return did throw a bit of a spanner in the works but I was thinking long before he came in of trying something else.

“I’ve been around here for ten or 11 years and an opportunity has come up for me to do that, and not just from the rugby side of things, but a lifestyle and family one as well.”