Sale Sharks v Newcastle Falcons | Matchday Programme

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ALEX SANDERSONDIRECTOR OF RUGBY

A WORD FROM THE AXE

And we’re rounding off with the battle of the North for our final regular season home game, as we welcome Newcastle Falcons to the AJ Bell.

Let me start by welcoming Mark Laycock and the Falcons staff and players to Manchester. We have a history of hard-fought fixtures against Newcastle, and I have no doubt we’re in for another display of Northern grit for the Gallagher Premiership rugby season finale today.

You can look at today’s fixture in a couple of ways as a player. Either as a game with not much riding on it, making sure to preserve and protect yourself ahead of the semi-final, or as an opportunity to improve and build momentum for the biggest game this club has seen in over fifteen years. And after speaking with Jono Ross and the team, it is clear that we all believe in the latter. We want to push on today, not pull back.

Jono was adamant that it’s not even a choice for the lads, they will go out there and give their all no matter

what the fixture. Of course we, the coaches, have to think about game management and making sure our players are fit and firing when we need them to be, but that’s the best selection problem to have.

On selection, Dan du Preez is available again after his injury which is a huge boost for the team. It speaks volumes of him as an athlete and a man to be back in contention this season. If he wasn’t showing signs of returning for this fixture it would have been really hard to pick him in the semi-final, for his own wellbeing more than anything, but he’s worked really hard to get to this point and it’s massive for us to have him back.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the three huge characters hanging up their boots at the end of this season; Will Cliff, Byron McGuigan and Jono Ross. Many players have come through the doors at Carrington and left their mark on the club, but none more so than Jono Ross, who has been pivotal in

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this club’s development. Jono has carried the torch for the players as their leader, and his legacy will live on here forever. Byron is hanging up his playing boots but putting on his coaching hat and joining the backroom staff which we are really pleased about. He’s another strong voice in the team and he’ll continue to drive the lads forward in his new role. And Cliffy is such a part of the furniture here we’ll never really say goodbye to him properly, although he won’t be pulling the shirt on as such, he’ll still have his part to play around Carrington. I’m sure you’ll join me in giving them all a royal send off this coronation weekend.

But, players leaving always opens a door for others to come in, and we’ve had a few big characters commit their future to Sale in the past month. I joked in the press conference this week that we won’t have anything to talk about now that the Manu renewal is done and dusted, but just to reiterate what

I’ve said before, we are over the moon to have him staying with us. For his power on the pitch and influence off it, he is the type of character you want in your team as a coach and a player. We’ve also welcomed a couple of new Sharks to the team in Tom Ellis and Ernst van Rhyn. Tom is going well in training and we’re hoping to see some of him before the season is done, and Ernst will give us a bit more South African steel in the pack. We’re excited to see them develop with the squad.

It’s a big month for us all and we’re determined to be playing two more games after this one. The semi-final starts here this afternoon against Newcastle, and I know you’ll be there in full voice pushing the lads on as you always do.

Enjoy the game, Al

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FORECASTING RHYN IN MANCHESTER

Sale Sharks are delighted to announce the signing of versatile South African forward Ernst van Rhyn on a long-term contract.

The 25-year-old, who can play in the second-row or back-row, has signed a three-year deal and will join Alex Sanderson’s squad ahead of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup season.

Ernst, who stands at 6’3” and weighs more than 18 stone, plays for the Cape Town-based Stormers and Western Province.

He made his 50th appearance for the Stormers against Harlequins in the Heineken Champions Cup in April and featured against Exeter Chiefs in the last eight.

Ernst was a former teammate of Sharks star Cobus Wiese at both domestic and international level, with the pair teaming up for South Africa’s U20s side at the 2016 World Cup in England.

Ernst said: “I’m really excited about this move. Sale have a quality team full of world class players and I can’t wait to play with guys like the Curry

and du Preez brothers. I really feel like we can achieve great things together in the years ahead.

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Enrst van Rhyn - Second/Back Row
I SPOKE TO COBUS BEFORE MAKING MY DECISION AND THE FACT THAT THERE WILL BE FAMILIAR FACES AND FAMILIAR VOICES AT THE CLUB WAS DEFINITELY A FACTOR.

“I spoke to Cobus before making my decision and the fact that there will be familiar faces and familiar voices at the club was definitely a factor.

“But more importantly, at this stage of my career, I felt like I really wanted to try a new environment and a new culture to grow as a rugby player but also as a person. I really want to keep pushing and challenging myself and the environment at Sale is the perfect place to do that.

“I chatted to Alex on the phone and it was clear that his philosophies match mine. It’s about rugby but I know that Sale is a club where they care about the individual too. My fiancé and I can’t wait to get over there and get started.”

Sharks Director of Rugby Alex said: “We have a good track record of recruiting really good, young, aggressive, physical South African back five players and I’m confident we’ve got another one here in Ernst.

“He’s a really good player, but more importantly, he’s a really good character. He’s captain material and he’s been a leader in every team he’s played in and that’s testament to the kind of person he is.

“He lived with Cobus Wiese and I think they are forged from the same South African steel. They’re hard-working, tough and young enough to keep on improving.

“He is joining us at a really good point in our growth as a squad, and I think we’re getting him at the same stage in his development.”

HE’S A REALLY GOOD PLAYER, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, HE’S A REALLY GOOD CHARACTER. HE’S CAPTAIN MATERIAL.
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THREE SHARKS LEGENDS WAVE GOODBYE

WILL CLIFF, BYRON MCGUIGAN AND JONO ROSS ARE ALL HANGING UP THEIR BOOTS AT THE END OF THE 2022-23 SEASON.

WITH COMBINED APPEARANCES OF OVER 450 APPS, WE WAVE GOODBYE TO THREE MODERN DAY SHARKS LEGENDS THIS YEAR.

READ WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR A FEW OF THE FAN FAVOURITES LEAVING CARRINGTON.

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WILL CLIFF

Sharks scrum-half Will Cliff has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current Premiership season.

The 34-year-old fans’ favourite, who played his junior rugby at Sandbach, made his Sharks debut in 2007 and has played more than 200 games for the club.

And that service to his childhood club will be marked and celebrated with a testimonial year, which kicks off with a special match at the CorpAcq Stadium on June 24 between a team made up of Cliffy’s Sharks Legends and a Premiership Legends XV.

The year-long calendar of events will raise money for three charities close to Will’s heart: the Sale Sharks Foundation, The Joshua Tree and Project Restart.

After rising through the age groups at Sandbach, Will played for Macclesfield, Manchester RUFC and attended Myerscough College before being handed a professional contract at the age of 18.

He made his first team debut in 2007 against Bath in the EDF Cup at Edgeley Park and went on to play 113 times for the club before joining

IT’S MEANT EVERYTHING TO PLAY FOR SALE AND AFTER 16 YEARS IT’S GOING TO BE DIFFICULT TO TAKE MY NAMETAG OFF MY LOCKER.

Bristol ahead of the 2015/16 season.

After two years in the South West, Will rejoined Sharks in 2017 and went on to make a further 120 appearances before making the decision to retire.

Will said: “It feels like the right time to be hanging up my boots. It’s daunting and emotional because this is all I’ve done since I left school, but I’ve had a brilliant career and there’s nothing I’d change.

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“It’s been so special to play so many times for my childhood club. I can remember watching Sale at Edgeley Park with my dad as child and I don’t think I ever dreamed I would get to pull on the shirt once, let alone play so many times.

“I’ve made friends for life and I’ve got memories that will last a lifetime, from both on and off the pitch. The best memories are from big wins against some of the best teams in Europe, and games when maybe relegation was on the line and we’ve all pulled together and won.

“It’s meant everything to play for Sale and after 16 years it’s going to be difficult to take my nametag off my locker. There’s lot about this lifestyle and this club that I’ll miss but I can’t wait to come back and watch the boys and I’m really excited about what’s coming next for me and for the club.”

Injury has restricted his appearances this season but Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson says ‘Cliffy’ has remained a big character in the dressing room.

He said: “Cliffy is one of the longestserving and most loved Sale Sharks players ever and we’ve had a few good players here. He’s epitomised everything good about this club in the last 16 years and he’s loved by players, staff and fans alike.

“When you get to know him, you realise that he’s not just the pulse of this place on the field, but he’s at the heart of everything off it too, and there is going to be a huge void to fill when he does hang up his boots.

“The testimonial year is a really

important way of everyone saying thank you to Cliffy for everything he’s done, not just for the club but for rugby in this region.”

For more information about Will Cliff’s testimonial year, visit

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The home of domestic rugby

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BYRON M c GUIGAN

Sharks wing Byron McGuigan has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current Premiership season.

The 33-year-old former Scotland international joined the club in 2016 after two seasons at Exeter Chiefs and quickly became a fan favourite, making over 100 appearances for the Sharks.

McGuigan has always had passion for coaching and took up several roles with grassroots clubs during his time at the Sharks. Whilst completing his RFU coaching qualifications, Byron held roles with Sandbach, Bowden and Rossendale rugby clubs in the North of England and will now take a position within the Sharks back-room staff.

Born in Namibia to a Scottish mother and South African father, Byron took an unusual route through the ranks of rugby union to eventually end up at Sale Sharks. McGuigan started his career aged 21 playing for South African Currie Cup outfit Border Bulldogs, where he made 13 appearances before moving to the UK.

The winger’s pace and agility set him apart from his team-mates and Byron was quickly identified as a talent by the Scottish Rugby Union who, thanks to his mother’s heritage, gave him an

THEMSELVES EVEN FURTHER.

opportunity to join their sevens set up in 2011. Byron went on to make six appearances on the sevens circuit that season, before moving back to the 15-a-side game when offered a contract by Glasgow Warriors.

After two years and 20 appearances

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I THINK I CAN BRING A LOT TO THE TEAM AS A YOUNGER COACH AND RECENT PROFESSIONAL.
I CAN’T WAIT TO GET STUCK IN AND HELP THE BOYS PUSH

for Glasgow, McGuigan made a move to New Zealand after taking up an opportunity to play in the Mitre 10 Cup with Bay of Plenty. Following a short stint in Tauranga, he made the move back to the UK, this time joining Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership.

After two years with Exeter, Byron felt the time was right for a change and made the switch North to Sale Sharks, settling with his young family in Manchester. McGuigan went on to make a huge impact with the Sharks; a memorable hat-trick against Gloucester Rugby in his first season cemented his status as a fan favourite at the AJ Bell Stadium, with ‘Horse’ going on to make over 100 appearances for the club over the next six seasons.

Byron said: “It feels bittersweet really; I have had a great career, but I’m really excited for what lies ahead. My passion is coaching now and I’m very lucky to have an opportunity to stay at the top level of the game.

“Throughout my career, I have always been surrounded by great people, especially at Sale and I have so many good memories both on and off the pitch. I’ve made some incredible friends that will be there for life, and the journey isn’t even over yet!

“There are some great characters in the game, we’ve got such a good group of boys at the Sharks, everybody brings something different and that’s what I love so much about rugby. I must credit the owners and the coaches who have provided a great platform for us to grow and excel as a team but most of all I would like to thank the fans. It’s always been special to play at the AJ Bell, I have so many fond memories

to take away from my career and it’s down to the atmosphere the Sharks Family create on a matchday.

“I wouldn’t change anything for the world, I’m very fortunate to have had the career I have had.

“It’s exciting to still be a part of this great club and I’m grateful to Alex for giving me an opportunity to join his coaching staff. I think I can bring a lot to the team as a younger coach and recent professional. I can’t wait to get stuck in and help the boys push themselves even further.”

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JONO ROSS

Former Sale Sharks captain and fans favourite Jono Ross will call time on his rugby career at the end of the 2022-23 Gallagher Premiership season.

The 32-year-old, who joined Sale in 2017 and has played more than 150 games for the club, has agreed an early release from his contract in order to return to Africa with his young family.

After signing for Sale from Stade Francais, Jono established himself as a firm favourite amongst the Sharks faithful through sheer endeavour, grit and determination for success on the pitch.

He was subsequently awarded the club captaincy in 2018, thanks to his natural leadership capabilities, holding the position for five seasons.

Speaking ahead of his retirement, Jono reflected on his time at Sale as the most impactful of his career, but admitted the time was right to hang up his boots and return home.

He said: “ Since joining the club in 2017, Sale and Manchester have really become a home away from home for my family and I. We have absolutely loved our time at the club and living in Manchester. Both our children will have been born here so it will forever have a

YOU CAN BE SURE I’LL BE WATCHING THE BOYS CONTINUE TO GROW FROM AFAR. HOPEFULLY IN THE SUN WITH A BEER IN HAND!

special place in our hearts.

“I would like to thank Simon, Michelle, Ged and Sid for their support over the years as well as the coaches at the club for putting up with me and giving me the opportunity to play the game I love in a great environment. To all of the backroom staff, physios, strength and conditioning coaches, kit men, chefs and everyone else, a huge thank you for the time and effort you’ve put into me.

“To the Sharks fans, thank you for the

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support over my six years here. You are all fantastic. Please keep behind the lads as you really do make a resounding difference on the pitch. It’s been a great ride and I will miss running out at the AJ Bell but at some point your body tells you when it’s time to stop, and for me that time is now.

“I am hugely excited for what’s to come next, but you can be sure I’ll be watching the boys continue to grow from a far. Hopefully in the sun with a beer in hand!”

After rising through the ranks as a youngster at the Lions alongside Faf de Klerk and Akker van der Merwe, Ross started his senior career with the Blue Bulls in 2011. He had a brief stint in Europe with Saracens at the end of that season before returning to Pretoria for another year.

In 2014, Jono left the Bulls and moved North to take up a contract with Stade Francais. He spent three years in the French capital where he would go on to win the European Challenge Cup and Top 14 in the famous pink jersey.

Following his success in Paris, Ross made a switch to the UK where he would establish himself as one of the most imposing players in the Gallagher Premiership, topping the Premiership tackle count for three consecutive seasons as a Shark.

Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson was full of praise for one of the Gallagher Premiership’s fiercestever competitors.

He said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Jono and during his time at the club, he has epitomised everything Sale Sharks stand for both on and off the pitch.

“When you get to know Jono, you realise he is a very clever bloke. Despite the levels of physicality he offers on the pitch, he’s more than just muscle. His tactical knowledge of the game is second to none and his emotional intelligence sets him apart as a player which is why he has been our captain for five consecutive seasons.

“Throughout his time at the club, Jono has used those skills to communicate on behalf of the players, often to the detriment of himself. If I’m being honest, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. We’ve had some deep and heated conversations but through mutual respect have always worked things out. I’m grateful for all those moments, both good and bad, as it’s helped me develop into a better coach over the past few seasons.

“Despite his serious demeanour, Jono always has a joke up his sleeve and is one of the nicest and most respectful guys in the game. He will be sorely

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FROM THE SHARK TANK

OUR WEEKLY GUEST SPOT FROM THE PODCASTING SUPERFANS

Semi-finalists! It feels about as long since we were at the AJ Bell for a home game, as it does since we last had a home semi-final to look forward to, but both are just around the corner now and what a pair of events they’re going to be.

It was a massive game on the 5th March last time we saw the boys in Salford, and a huge win to match the occasion. Looking back that was crucial to securing not only a safe top 4 place, but also the home semi which our early season form deserved. After that there was a blip against a resurgent London Irish team the week after, and a disappointing loss in South Wales, both of which we won’t give any further airtime to because they’re far too long ago to matter…

Instead let’s talk about the comprehensive and expertly managed victories over Bristol and Gloucester. Despite the form of the opposition, it takes a pretty strong mentality to win two tough away games in the South West on consecutive weekends. Both performances started to show the gelling of George Ford into this team and kept dangerous opponents at arms length.

Today’s game is of course the ‘northern’ derby (despite the 3 hour journey and the fact that our Geordie friends are in denial about where the north is). We’ve made no secret on the pod of our fondness for Newcastle and it’s something of a relief not to need a result in this game, as it should hopefully help create that great end of season carnival atmosphere and some exciting rugby from both sides. That said, we’d still like a win to go out on a high

OVER AT THE SHARK TANK, THE NORTHERN POWERHOUSE OF RUGBY PODCASTING, WITH A DETAILED, IRREVERENT AND OCCASSIONALLY CYNICAL LOOK AT ALL THINGS SALE SHARKS.

ahead of our biggest game in 16 years in a couple of weeks time!

Yes, let’s just bask in the glory of the home semi-final, and against the auld enemy of Leicester Tigers. For those of us who’ve been through the Sale Sharks mill for long enough, it’s brought back memories of Jason Robinson stepping Mark van Gisbergen from 20 metres away, and Seabass dumping a certain current BT Sport pundit on his backside. We’re hopeful for equally special memories from the new generation of Sharks who have a chance to make history this season, and today’s game against Falcons is a chance to enjoy a season well played without all the stress that’s coming on the 14th May!

A final word on some retiring legends of the club also – Byron McGuigan, Will Cliff and Jono Ross have all contributed a massive amount to Sharks on and off the field and we hope today is the chance to give them a send off they deserve. All 3 have always given everything on the field for Sale and as fans you take players like that to your heart, so while we’re sorry to see them retire I think we can all appreciate that literally nothing has been left out there by any of them. We hope they enjoy retirement, but not before a trip to Twickenham…

Enjoy the game!

TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST, CLICK HERE:

39 #NORTHERNRUGBYMATTERS

INTRODUCING OUR BRAND NEW MONTHLY PODCAST, HOSTED BY BBC AND SKY SPORTS

PRESENTER MARK CHAPMAN

EPISODE 1

In episode one Mark explores leadership both on and off the field with Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson and Sale and England flanker Tom Curry, who became the youngest England captain since 1988 when he led his country against Scotland at the age of 23 in 2022.

EPISODE 2

Episode two is all about women’s sport as Mark chats to Sharks Women’s Performance Coach Rachel Taylor, along with Gavin Makel, the M.D. of Manchester City Women’s Football Club and proud Mancunian Stacey Copeland, who represented her country at both football and boxing and now presents on BBC Radio Manchester.

EPISODE 3

In episode three we explore how to develop the stars of the future with Sale Sharks Academy Manager Fergus Mulchrone, Burnley Football Club’s Head of Coaching Ian Jones and Sharks Academy graduate James Harper!

41 CHECK OUT THE FIRST THREE EPISODES OF OUR NEW PODCAST
FERGUS MULCHRONE, IAN JONES & JAMES HARPER
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THE DEFENDER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP

THE LONGSTANDING DEFENDER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP FESTIVALS (PREVIOUSLY LAND ROVER PREMIERSHIP CUP) RETURN THIS SEASON WITH SALE SHARKS HOSTING THE ANNUAL GRASSROOTS RUGBY EVENT FOR YOUNGSTERS ON 23 RD APRIL AT MANCHESTER RUGBY CLUB.

For each U11 and U12 team entering the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup, there is the chance to win an exclusive trip to the Premiership Rugby Final, at Twickenham Stadium on May 27th 2023

Land Rover has been supporting rugby at all levels in the UK for nearly two decades; from the grassroots to the elite. Land Rover support for grassroots rugby in the UK is typified through the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup, a nationwide series of rugby festivals for U11 and U12 teams.

Vital in fostering the values at the heart of the game, the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup is a key part of the grassroots rugby calendar each season that allows Defender

to connect with the rugby community and the people at the heart of it.

The events are designed to provide aspiring young players with the chance to play competitive fixtures in a format to aid their development, all within the spirit of rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. Allowing them to learn vital lessons, that will serve them both on and off the rugby pitch.

Since its inception, the Defender (previously Land Rover) Premiership Rugby Cup has helped over 100,000 youngsters discover rugby through the annual rugby events, with some realising their dreams of going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs.

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PROJECT RUGBY IS RUN BY PREMIERSHIP RUGBY IN COLLABORATION WITH ENGLAND RUGBY DESIGNED TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN THE GAME BY PEOPLE FROM TRADITIONALLY UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS

The programme – which is run in partnership with Gallagher – will engage thousands of participants per year (aged 14+ and 16+ for disabled people) and will be delivered by community staff from Premiership Rugby’s 13 shareholder clubs at over 200 locations across England, providing accessible opportunities for people to participate in the

game at a time and place that can be easily accessed by target audiences.

Currently Sale Sharks are working in partnership with Widnes Rugby Club, Aldwinians Rugby Club and North Manchester Rugby Club. On top of this we have delivered our first ever LGBT sessions in partnership with Tameside council as part of the programme!

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NEXT UP AT THE CORPACQ STADIUM

Sale Sharks Women are back in action on home turf on Saturday 13th May, taking on the Bristol Bears.

All Sale Sharks season ticket holders and U16 s get in for FREE, or you can pay on the door.

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HARRY THOMPSON TRISTAN WOODMAN CONNOR DOHERTY JOE CARPENTER AKKER VAN DER MERWE ROB DU PREEZ WILL CLIFF COBUS WIESE JOE BEDLOW TOMMY TAYLOR TOM CURTIS ELLIOT GOURLAY SAM JAMES TOM O’FLAHERTY SAM HILL REKEITI MA’ASI WHITE BYRON MCGUIGAN AARON POPE LUKE JAMES RYAN MILLS BEN MOTAMED RAFFI QUIRKE GEORGE FORD NYE THOMAS CHARLIE WARDLE ARRON REED MANU TULAGI TOM ROEBUCK KIERAN WILKINSON GUS WARR ALEX WILLS
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JASON WOODWARD
Gallagher is one of the largest insurance and risk management companies in the world. We are committed to our local communities— just ask the businesses and organisations supported by our Manchester team. No matter your size, sector or game plan, we are on your side. Get in touch with us: JAMES FLECTCHER, Branch Director E: James_Fletcher@ajg.com T: 07894 235 955 Find out how our local brokers can support your business at ajg.com/uk Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 7th Floor, 55 Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909. FP1160-2021 Exp 06.09.2022 | ARTUK-4318
THE GALLAGHER WAY. SINCE 1927.
PLAYERS LOCAL PRESENCE.
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