Saint-Andre looks set to return to coach in France where he has been linked to a post at Toulon, the troubled French Championship club.
He has always been a coach in demand. During last year’s Rugby World Cup, he was linked to becoming the successor to Bernard Laporte for the France national job and was also interviewed to take over the Italian team before the appointment of Nick Mallett.
A statement from Sale said: “Philippe has decided that it is time to take on different challenges and move on to pastures new and that this season will be his last at the club.”
Sale have already decided that Kingsley Jones will take over as director of rugby in May. The pair have worked together for the last four years and have guided the club to the Premiership title in May 2006.
Saint-Andre said he wanted to thank the supporters and intended to deliver another trophy before he departed. “They have shown great kindness and loyalty to me and my family,” he said.
“I am totally committed to achieving further success and believe that with the current squad of players and coaching staff, we can win a major trophy this season,” he added.
Brian Kennedy, the club owner, said that the former French international had been at the heart of the team’s development. He added that the club’s management structure would allow for an orderly succession.
Sale also set to lose another part of their French connection in Sebastian Chabal. The forward has already said he will return home next season and has been linked to a move to one of two Paris clubs in Stade Francais or Racing Metro.