Saint-Andre considers taking timeout

PHILIPPE SAINT-ANDRE could take a sabbatical from rugby when he ends his spell as director of rugby of Sale Sharks this summer.

The former France captain has spent four years with Sale and he is expected to announce during the next month what his plans are for 2009/10, with many tipping him to take over a French Top 14 club.

But Saint-Andre does not rule out taking a sabbatical to recharge his batteries.

“I will take over at a club, preferably in France, or take a year’s sabbatical,” said the 41-year-old. “If I start again somewhere, it will have to be a real project, where I can build.” The former France international winger led Sale to the English Premiership in 2006 and the European Challenge Cup crown in 2007.

He arrived at Sale in 2004, having performed an identical role with their Premiership rivals Gloucester and back in France with Bourgoin.

Saint-Andre won 68 caps for France, 34 as captain, and is second in France’s all-time try-scorers list with 32, behind Serge Blanco (38).