Sale plan to top the Bill!

JOSH BEAUMONT raised a glass to his father, England legend Bill, being re-elected as World Rugby chairman – now the Sale star wants his own crowning glory.

The imposing forward has been out since November with a horror knee injury that was complicated by an infection which saw him undergo a second operation.

Beaumont was set to miss the rest of the Premiership season, but the Covid-19 crisis means the 28-year-old could now return to play a part in the Sharks’ belated title bid.

Since being champions in 2006 Sale have not even reached the play-offs, but a change of ownership four years ago has seen them re-emerge as contenders.

Beaumont (below), who stands 6ft 7in, said: “I tore the patella tendon in my right knee at home to Wasps and it was serious.

“It had probably been a bit of a ticking time bomb because I have suffered from tendonitis in that knee for years. It has stemmed from all the line-out jumping I do and has been a tough rehab.

“I had an initial operation a week after but then picked up an infection which became quite serious. That meant another operation in early January which would have put me out for the whole of the season in a normal year.

“But I started running last week and it feels good, so I should be back within the next couple of months.

“The Premiership season could restart in August, so hopefully I can make that first game.

“I’d love to start winning things with Sale. And having played for England against the Barbarians, I’ve ambitions to win a full Test cap.”

Sale were second when the season was suspended in March, and have resumed training. Beaumont added: “There’s a real desire here at Sale to win trophies – with this squad we feel we can go all the way. We have a really personal relationship with our owners and it’s a great place to be right now.”

Bill Beaumont, 68, captained England and last month was voted back in as the head of World Rugby.

Beaumont Jnr is busy studying for an MBA in sports business and is Sale representative for the Rugby Players’ Association.

He added: “When Dad was re-elected we got together and had a couple of beers over Zoom!

“Now he can really push forward his vision, especially for a world season.”