RUGBY legend Jason Robinson is to make a sensational return to Sale Sharks as head coach.

The England World Cup winner, who also enjoyed a stellar career in Rugby League, will today sign a two-year deal to become a key part of new Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones' backroom set-up from the start of next season.

The appointment represents a huge coup for Jones, especially as Robinson - who walked away from rugby after the 2007 World Cup final - had previously insisted he was more than happy in retirement.

Jones, who succeeded Philippe Saint-Andre as Sale boss earlier this year, developed a close friendship with Robinson, nicknamed Billy Whizz, during the winger/full-back's illustrious seven-year career with Sale.

It's also a welcome slice of good news for the Guinness Premiership high-fliers coming as it does in the wake of the announcement of several high-profile player departures at the end of the season with the likes of Sebastien Chabal, Jason White and Sebastien Bruno all leaving the club.

Also joining the new-look Edgeley Park coaching set-up will be Phil Keith-Roach, who is to become Sale's scrummage and forwards coach.

Keith-Roach was England's scrummage coach during Sir Clive Woodward's reign and was a key part of the backroom staff behind England's 2003 World Cup triumph.

He too will sign a two-year contract and will also take up his new duties in the summer.

"I am delighted and hugely excited that both Jason and Phil will be joining the coaching staff at the club," said Jones.

"It’s no coincidence that in the three years that Jason was captain was the most successful in the club's history.

"Jason has been a professional since the age of 16 and everything he has done in both codes, he has been successful at.

"He is renowned for his enthusiasm and drive and is a proven 100% winner. He also has great mentoring skills which will prove invaluable in his work with the senior and academy players at the club.”