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Sale Sharks head coach Bryan Redpath has left the Premiership side with immediate effect.

The former Sale scrum-half returned to the club in 2012 as director of rugby after a spell in charge at Gloucester.

But after their worst start to a Premiership season, the former Scotland international was demoted to a coaching role in 2012 which he has held since.

Redpath is reportedly favourite to take over at Championship club Yorkshire following Tommy McGee's departure.

The Headingley side last week placed former British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan in charge until the end of the season after McGee's exit.

"Bryan played a big part in helping us finish sixth last season and leaves us in good shape as we aim to finish as high as possible in the table," said Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond.

"Bryan has also helped with bringing some of the youngsters through. I am sorry to see him leave and wish him all the best for the future."

Redpath first joined Sale in 2000 and helped the club win the the European Challenge Cup in 2002 and 2005.

After ending his playing career he moved to Gloucester as backs coach, and was promoted to head coach four years later following the departure of former England international Dean Ryan.