Alex Sanderson

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Alexander Sanderson (born in 7 October 1979 in Chester) is a rugby union footballer who plays at Number 8 for Saracens. He transferred from Sale Sharks for the 2004/05 season. He is the brother of Pat Sanderson.

His rugby union career blossomed under coach Brian Gornall at Kirkham Grammar School. His first Sale coach, John Mitchell, also had a great influence on him as have the current coaches Steve Diamond and Jim Mallinder both of whom he played alongside when he first broke into the first team.

Alex Sanderson was the youngest player to be appointed as captain of the Sale Sharks at the age of 20. He scored a try on his England debut against Romania in November 2001, having captained the England midweek side in North America soon after being selected for the England XV against the Barbarians at Twickenham. He made his Six Nations debut as a replacement against Italy in March 2003 and was part of the wider 43 man squad for the World Cup, playing in the pre World Cup warm up matches against Wales and France in Marseille.