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T h e B IG O n e Fri 1 Apr • KO: 7:45P
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SharkS v SaraCenS Fri 1 Apr • KO: 7:45pm • AJ Bell Stadium
VS
Last time we met: Sun 28 Nov • StoneX Stadium
25-14 W L d Historic stats vs Sarries: WINS
LOSSES
DRAWS
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hOMe iS Where the Shark iS
R U O T N O S K R A SH 7
SanderS SaYS R o D N O S R E D N A S X E AL
Welcome back to the AJ Bell Stadium for another exciting game under the Friday Night Lights against a team I know very well, Saracens. Saracens have been the best team in England, and one of the best in Europe, in recent years so we’re looking at this game as a barometer of where we are. It’s almost a quarter final for us and we want today to give us a springboard for a real push towards the top four. Standing in our way this evening is a formidable team, full of international players and led by a man and a coach who in my eyes is nothing short of a bona fide legend. On behalf of everyone at Sale Sharks, can I welcome Mark
McCall and his coaching staff to Manchester. The weather might have changed, but from me, the welcome will be as warm as ever. Mark created a brilliant learning environment at Sarries and all the coaches, like Paul Gustard, Andy Farrell and I, pushed each other. I
still call him every month to ask him about a few things and have a natter and I think the mark of the man is that he doesn’t let the fact that we’re competing against each other get in the way of that. But make no mistake, I’ve got both feet very firmly in the Sale Sharks camp now and I want to win. It’s us against them and we know we need a win if we’re going to keep pushing for that top four place that we want. It’s been a really busy period for us on the pitch, and off it too. As I keep saying, there will be players leaving and I hope I can update you on that soon.
We had a chat and I asked him what his point of difference was. He said that he just loves to work and that was music to my ears. For him to say that he’s prouder of his workrate than any other quality says a lot for the man as well as the player. We can’t wait to get him here, but that’s all for next season. Right now, we’ve got a big challenge on our hands and it’s one we can’t wait to get stuck in to. Enjoy the game, Alex.
But this week, we welcomed a new signing into the club, in Tom O’Flaherty, and I know you’ll be just as excited as I am about his arrival for next season. I was asked this week if Tom is the most underrated player in the Premiership, and I think that’s a fair assessment. He’s a great player and we’re very lucky to have him here. To get someone of that experience, with his gas and his work rate and quality, to not only help the team but help some of our younger lads, is fantastic. 9
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Patience is a virtue for any young player trying to break into the Sharks first team but very few have had to bide their time more than Arron Reed. Now into his fifth season as a part of the Sharks first team picture, the 22-year-old has played almost 50 times for the club, but until this season, he has never considered himself a regular part of the team. This season that has all changed. Since he scored at the AJ Bell against Leicester in January, the Chester-born speedster has made the number 11 shirt his own – and now he’s targeting a strong end to the season.
“At the start of the season I set myself a target of becoming a ‘selection winger’”, he said. “I didn’t want to just get picked when someone else was injured or unavailable. I wanted to start on merit and it feels like that’s where I am now. “I’m into my fifth year here now and it’s always felt as though I’d play a game or two, play well, and then get dropped when someone else came back. “It puts the pressure on because you always feel like you can’t make a mistake. Now I’ve had a run of games and I feel more like I’m part of the team. The pressure is always on because you know there are people wanting your place, but Alex and the coaches want us to be brave and not think about making mistakes. “They tell Tom Roebuck and I to use our pace, to go looking for work and to try and express ourselves. “I’d love to play international rugby but I’m not thinking about that. The challenge for me is to keep working as hard as I can to keep
THIS HAS BEEN MY BEST SEASON SO FAR AND I’M LOVING MY RUGBY. CONFIDENCE IS HIGH AND IT’S A REALLY EXCITING PLACE TO BE AT THE MOMENT. improving, keep getting the best out of myself and help the team. If we all do that then we know that as a team we can achieve anything together. “This has been my best season so far and I’m loving my rugby. Confidence is high and it’s a really exciting place to be at the moment.” Arron is one of several young Sharks players to come through Kirkham Grammar School, and he knows all about the life of an academy player at the club. That’s why he kept a keen eye on the Stoop on Tuesday night to watch some the Sharks of the future star against Harlequins in the Premiership Rugby Cup. 13
“I can remember what these games are like,” he said. “You’re desperate to impress. It’s a brilliant chance for some of the lads who maybe aren’t part of the matchday squad weekin, week-out. “We train against these lads every day and I know how talented they are. It was so good to see the backs go well especially.”
player and someone I can learn so much from. He’s similar to me in the way he plays so I can’t wait to see him in action. Competition for places is a good thing because it drives us all on to be better. “But we’re not thinking about next season just yet. We’ve still got so much to play for this season in the Premiership and the Champions Cup and we’re focused on making it a good end to the season.”
Competition for places will be ramped up again next season with the arrival of fellow winger Tom O’Flaherty from Exeter Chiefs. But Arron only sees the arrival of the 27-year-old as a positive. He added: “It’s brilliant. He’s a fantastic
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FrOM the Sh rK tank S N A F R E P U S / T S A PODC
Friday night lights again and its another massive game again! Our Premiership form has stalled slightly after a wonderful set of results earlier in the year, but we’re keeping ourselves in the hunt for the top four with both the results and crucially, try bonus points aplenty. After sneaking past Gloucester we travelled down to Bath last weekend, a team who have been on the up after a tough start to the season. The return of some international class showed with Sam Underhill having a superb game, which put Bath out to a big lead. There was a great show of our mentality in the second half
to come back from 14 points down at one point to end up leading the game, and then having a chance to win it at the end. There’s still lots to work on for the team, not least off the tee which might have made the difference last weekend, but there are a lot of positives to take too. The mentality mentioned, and that ability to get over the try line really are huge improvements from what we saw at times last season and even earlier this season. One thing we’ll have to sort out, and especially against today’s opponent, is discipline – the penalty counts continue to be a bit of a killer. You might get away with against a team with Danny
Cipriani in it (or at least, the Sale Danny Cipriani. The Bath one appears to be nailing everything). However tonight’s opponents have a certain Owen Farrell who tends to nail everything as well. It’s a huge test for this Sale team, as Saracens are looking imperious as they used to and worryingly, they’re only getting better. That said, the future is looking bright for Sale too as academy graduates continue to step up to the plate, not least in the Premiership Rugby Cup. It was a tough outing against a really experienced Wasps side at home two weeks ago, but there were some flashes of real quality and exciting rugby in the face of that opposition. When Wasps are bringing an All Black off the bench, a 15 point difference doesn’t seem so bad. And props to whoever does the sound in the stadium when trialist Ben Bamber came on – if you know, you know. Not to pull the curtain back too much, but these programme notes are being written ahead of time so we’re not sure of the Quins result. It was either a gallant performance in defeat or a stunning victory at the home of the champions, please delete
as appropriate. Either way, we’ve seen the team and it’s sure to be an exciting show of the future Sale talent which will grace the AJ Bell for years to come. But that’s the future, for the here and now it’s a huge game against Saracens and a massive clash of two teams built on power. Expect huge collisions, high quality and a hell of a game. Enjoy!
Alex, James & Lewis
To listen to the podcast:
CLiCk here 19
TO THE NORTH
Y T R E H A L F ’ O T OM
Sale Sharks are delighted to announce that winger Tom O’Flaherty has signed a long-term contract to join the club ahead of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season. The prolific 27-year-old, who has scored 35 tries in 91 appearances for Exeter Chiefs, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal. The former Ospreys star will join Alex Sanderson’s squad at the end of the season, and the Sharks Director of Rugby says his new man will be a massive addition to the club on and off the field. Alex said: “When I sat down with Tom it was clear straight away that he’s a brilliant guy who really wants to play for this club. I have no doubt he’ll bring as much to the club off the field as he will on it. “For us, making sure we’re bringing in good people is absolutely essential if we’re going to create and build the right environment and culture at the club. “On the field, Tom’s record speaks for itself. He’s been a huge part of an Exeter side that’s been so successful in recent years and I’m confident he’ll be a fantastic addition. “Tom is 27 years old and he’s
IT’S A MASSIVE BOOST FOR THE CLUB AND IT’S A BIG INDICATION OF WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT AND WHERE WE’RE TRYING TO GET TO. coming here in his prime, with his very best years ahead of him. It’s a massive boost for the club and it’s a big indication of what we’re all about and where we’re trying to get to.” Tom O’Flaherty grew up in London and played his rugby for Dulwich College and then Blackheath before moving to Wales to study at Cardiff University. He joined Cardiff RFC in 2013, playing four times and scoring four tries, before moving to Bridgend, ahead of the 2014-15 season. He spent time in France, combining a university placement with playing in Top 14 side Montpellier’s academy, but returned to Wales for the final year of his studies, taking up joint registration with Bridgend and the Ospreys. He joined Exeter Chiefs in the summer ahead of the 2017/18 Premiership season and has gone on to make 91 appearances, scoring 175 points. 23
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Y A D H C T A M
MaSCOtS Name: Casper Niknejad Age: 11 Favourite Player: Manu Tuilagi Favourite Subject: History Favourite Food: Burgers Favourite T.V. Show: Police Interceptors Hobbies: Rugby
R E P S CA Name: Teddy Briggs Age: 6 Favourite Player: Akker van der Merwe Favourite Subject: P.E. Favourite Food: Pizza Favourite T.V. Show: Monster Jam Hobbies: Playing games on my iPad, Lego, Swimming, Tennis & Football
TEDDY
Name: Ty Sanderson Age: 5 Favourite Player: Sharkey Favourite Subject: P.E. Favourite Food: Pizza Favourite T.V. Show: Bluey Hobbies: Rugby, Running & Monster Trucks
TY Nick S
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Sale Sharks marked World Down Syndrome Day with odd socks and a Printerland ticket giveaway. Sale Sharks and Sharks Community Trust marked World Down Syndrome Day by giving away tickets to participants from a ground-breaking Down Syndrome rugby programme, all thanks to club partner Printerland.
Sharks players donned special warm-up t-shirts to mark the day, and wore add socks – one home and one away – for the Premiership Rugby Cup fixture, which Wasps won 41-26.
More than 50 tickets for Sharks’ game against Wasps were handed out to players from the Crusaders Fin Club, run by the Trust and re-named in honour of participant Sean Browne who died suddenly in June 2021.
And guests from the Crusaders Fin Club, including players’ friends and family, were also invited onto the pitch at half time for a special picture in front of the Printerland Stand at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Sharks Community Trust launched its fortnightly Down Syndrome programme in September 2020, as part of its mission to promote rugby as a game for all. Trust coaches regularly work with more than 40 players at the sessions, which are held at Sharks’ Carrington training ground. Sharks Community Trust’s Community Manager Vicky Irwin said: “The Crusaders Fin Club has been a huge success since it launched in 2020. “It means so much to everyone at Sale Sharks and Sharks Community Trust because Sean was a such huge part of the club and it was fantastic to have so many of our Down Syndrome players and their families at the stadium. “It was also brilliant to see the Sharks team get involved by wearing the t-shirts and odd socks too. “Everyone loved the experience of going onto the pitch and I hope it inspires even more players to come forward and join the club. “Printerland is a fantastic partner for the club and the Trust and they support so much of the work we do in disability rugby. “Rugby really is a sport for everyone and with Printerland’s support, we can introduce
underrepresented groups to the sport and Sale Sharks to new audiences.” Altrincham-based Printerland have been a long-standing partner of Sale Sharks having first agreed a deal back in 2004 to sponsor the Cheadle End of the club’s former home ground at Edgeley Park, before becoming official Family Stand sponsors at the AJ Bell Stadium in 2016.
More than 10,000 match-day tickets have been given away to local charities and schools in recent years by Printerland, allowing Sharks Community Trust to introduce rugby to new audiences. Last year Printerland extended its deal with club, which sees the firm continue to deliver an inclusivity programme in the local region, supported by the Sharks Community Trust.
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Sat 7 May • KO: 2pm • CorpAcq Stadium
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Sat 9 April • KO: 1pm • AJ Bell Stadium
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prOjeCt rugbY Y T I N U M M O C E H T N I VES A W G N I K A M
The impact of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby community programmes is significant and could not be achieved without the support of all 13 clubs, including Sale Sharks. The club has made a huge difference to many young lives, helping to improve the life chances of numerous individuals like Harry whose behaviour was spirally at such a pace his future looked bleak. To provide more opportunities to experience rugby, Sale Sharks deliver Project Rugby to engage participants in the sport from underrepresented groups. These include disabled people, and those from ethnically diverse and lowersocial economic backgrounds. Project Rugby, which is run by
Premiership Rugby in partnership with Gallagher and the RFU, aims to increase participation in the game through delivery of sessions by community staff from each of Premiership Rugby’s clubs, at more than 200 locations nationwide. This far-reaching network enabled Harry to join Project Rugby at Sale Sharks. Harry often struggled with the demands of school, particularly the constraints surrounding discipline. He had got into a continual cycle of misbehaviour and suffered the repercussions. Once Harry joined the programme, he found his focus and was able to channel his energy into the game we all love. Sale Sharks are delighted to shine the spotlight on Harry during this season’s Community Weekend. All matches during round 21 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby (25-27 March) will be dedicated to Premiership Rugby’s awardwinning community programmes, which benefit more than 250k people across England annually. Harry’s behaviour at school regularly landed him in trouble, detracted from his education and built barriers to creating solid friendships. Once in a safe environment of Project Rugby, where he could express his emotions and where he was actively encouraged to display controlled aggression,
RUGBY WAS A FANTASTIC CATALYST FOR HARRY’S SELF-DEVELOPMENT. HIS CONFIDENCE HAS GROWN IMMEASURABLY. Harry started to develop selfcontrol. He was given constructive opportunities to learn and understand the importance of discipline, and how this in turn increases confidence levels. Mark, from the Project Rugby team at Sale says “Rugby was a fantastic catalyst for Harry’s selfdevelopment. His confidence has grown immeasurably.
To read the full story:
CLiCk here 43
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SQuad LiSt SALE SHARKS MEN
A K E R VA N D E R M E R W
STARTING W ITH THE FORWAR DS!
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SQuad LiSt SALE SHARKS WOMEN
STARTING W ITH THE FORWAR DS!
A IS H A A B U M A R Z O U Q
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! S U W O L L O F
x @SALESHARKSOFFICIAL
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@SALESHARKS 59
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