Sale on a mission
Premiership finalists determined to spread love of union in the north
SALE might have reached their first Premiership final since 2006, but there is more than just the thought of onfield glory driving them to success this season. Only Saracens stand between Alex Sanderson’s Sharks and English rugby’s biggest domestic trophy, when they meet at Twickenham a week on Saturday. But for Manchester-based Sale it’s as much about growing the popularity of union in an area where football and rugby league are kings as it is about silverware.
To an extent, they have already succeeded. The AJ Bell Stadium was sold out for their semi-final with Leicester. It was a fantastic rugby occasion with a febrile atmosphere but seeing Sale’s employees wearing shirts with the slogan ‘northern rugby matters’ on them, it’s clear Sale have a bigger purpose.
Director of rugby Sanderson played for and now coaches the team, who have a spine of players from the north of England. ‘I was blinded by stress on Sunday but every now and again I turned round and you could hear the crowd,’ said Sanderson.
‘It was mega. So noisy. You need occasions like this so people come back. I’m proud that, potentially, our reach in the north is expanding. We are getting bigger crowds and the buzz is better. It’s humbling to think we might inspire some kid to pick up a ball.’
Asked if the passion Sale’s players feel for their area can give his team an edge, Sanderson’s response was unequivocal. ‘Jeez, it matters,’ he said. ‘Imagine the scenario where players actually played for the shirt, the badge, for the area. It’s gone out of the game! Right now, we’re flying the flag. I’m super proud of that.
‘To come to this team — the team I played for, captained, that my brother played for, that my dad played against — it’s a bit of a dream. Then I have to remind myself dreams don’t come true. I’m so ingrained in this, being back in my hometown, that it feels like I’ve been here for ever. It feels like the start of something. I’m pumped.’
In an area dominated by Manchester’s Premier League giants City and United and a string of Super League’s biggest sides, Sale have a job fighting for a slice of the area’s sporting pie. But success sells and the Sharks have had a fine season.
Oldham-born fly-half George Ford spoke passionately of his squad’s desire to represent their region. ‘One of the reasons why (we play) is making the people of the north proud,’ said Ford.
‘Rugby union up here has got its challenges. All we can do is try to win games, entertain these people, and give them a winning team. We want to inspire the kids. Ultimately, that’s what it’s about.’
Looking ahead to the final Ford added: ‘Saracens are an unbelievable team. We understand the challenge ahead but finals are funny things — it’s on the day, as you saw last year.’ And winning it would make a growing part of Manchester proud, and spread the word at the same time.
THE RFU last night confirmed London Irish will be suspended from the Premiership next season if no takeover is completed by the end of this month, or evidence provided of funds to cover the 2023-24 campaign. Amid continued delays to the buy-out by an American consortium, they now have a fortnight to conclude the deal, including receiving official approval by the RFU.