Sale Sharks: new head coach, new line-up

Top flight Rugby Union returns with the newly-titled Aviva Premiership, and Sale Sharks have the honour of staging the first ever match in the fledgling league programme when they host Newcastle Falcons on 3rd September.

With the Sharks getting to grips with the Falcons, there’s bound to be some direct, physical combat, and the pace threatens to be relentless.

Sale Sharks are under new management in the massive shape of head coach, former All Black Mike Brewer, and there are plenty more new faces on and off the field.

Sharks look to have recruited well with Aucklander Paul Williams and Leinsterman Kyle Tonetti joining established international stars Mark Cueto, Dwayne Peel and Mathew Tait in the raids from the backs.

Up front, the mighty force from props Andrew Sheridan and Eifion ‘The Fridge’ Roberts has been boosted by the incredible athletic bulk of Karena Wihongi.

Pacific Island Power continues through the scrum, with Wame Lewaravu and Sisaro Koyamaibole giving opponents plenty to think about. They’ve joined the existing talent of triple award winner James Gaskell and rising star Carl Fearns in an exciting, mobile forward unit.

With the Sharks getting to grips with the Falcons, there’s bound to be some direct, physical combat, and the pace threatens to be relentless.

A key fixture in the coming months is the home match on Friday 19 November against Northampton Saints, who are currently number 2 in the Aviva Premiership League. It'll be a tough match in a tough season that will see the Sharks hoping to claw their way up to mid-table or beyond.

The first Amlin Challenge Cup European match will be at home on 8 October against Cetransa El Salvador.

The club has just announced two new packages for corporate events and special occasion. Click here for details.

The first match of the season – Sale Sharks v. Newcastle Falcons takes place at home at Edgeley Park on Friday 3 September. Kick off is at 7.45pm and tickets cost from £10 for adults – they're on sale now. Click here or call the Sale Sharks Box Office on 08444 994 994 to buy.