SANDERSON WAKE-UP CALL FOR SLEEPY SALE

EXCITED Sharks chief Sanderson

ALEX SANDERSON aims to turn Sale into the new Saracens of English rugby, claiming the Sharks are a “sleeping giant”.

The club’s new director of rugby, who ended a 17-year tenure at Sarries to return to the club he played for, believes a Sale squad containing Manu Tuilagi, Faf de Klerk and Tom Curry are yet to show what they are capable of.

“There have been two international teams who have come in for me and two other Premiership clubs but this is a brilliant opportunity,” said Sanderson.

“There are quite a few coaches who could come in with that squad and win something.

“I want it, and it’s going to be lovely if we ever do achieve it, which I believe we can, but fleeting success is not what I’m about.

“I am going there to build something lasting, that transcends accolades, that people can be proud of years down the line. “I’m jumping out of my socks. I’m waking up at halfpast-three every morning. This place is something of a sleeping giant.” Sanderson’s former club, who have promoted Joe Shaw to head coach in his place, are in action in the only game left in England today – against Ealing in the Trailfinders

Challenge Cup – after the Premiership shutdown.

Billy Vunipola (left) will play at No.8 but is the only one of the club’s England contingent who will be involved in the series – which also involves Doncaster – ahead of next month’s Six Nations.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: “Billy was really, really keen to play. He feels he really benefits from playing and that he wants to hit the ground running against Scotland.”