SALE SHARKS

Director of Rugby: Steve Diamond Captain: Jono Ross Ground: AJ Bell Stadium Capacity: 12,000

The Sharks are circling following the investment from joint owners Simon Orange and Ged Mason, and by signing an elite finisher like Chris Ashton the South Manchester club are looking to put the frighteners on the league’s leading lights.

Despite finishing 8th last campaign Sale played with an enterprise which meant that when everything clicked they were capable of shredding the best defences. Their main shortcoming was that they conceded tries almost as quickly as they scored them – and that will have to be remedied by coach Steve Diamond if they are to become play-off contenders this time.

The early-season absence of Faf de Klerk due to Springbok duties will make a difference, because the dynamo scrum-half became the hub around which the Sale game revolved.

Despite Will Addison and Mike Haley going to Ireland, the Sharks will still have plenty of counter-attacking bite. De Klerk and AJ McGinty will relish launching a back three which includes Marland Yarde, Denny Solomona, the dangerous Byron McGuigan, and Ashton – once he gets over his latest disciplinary hurdle.

Up front Sale are still a work in progress, and a top six finish will depend on a pack featuring England openside Tom Curry and the South African-schooled backrowers Jono Ross and Josh Strauss, rising to the occasion.