Sale Sharks are one of the leading professional Rugby Union clubs in Europe and the pride of the North West. Historically based in the Manchester suburb of Sale, but now playing at the Salford City Stadium, the Sharks compete in the Aviva Premiership, having played in England's top flight since 1994.
Since the game of Rugby Union turned professional in the mid 1990s, the Sharks have arguably been the archetypal success story, rising from the lower ranks to become a multiple trophy winner in the new Millennium.
Sale Sharks have won two European Challenge Cup titles in 2002 and 2005 but the highlight remains their 2006 Premiership title, secured with a thumping 45-20 win over Leicester Tigers.
As one of the leading sides in Europe, the Sharks boast a star-studded squad that includes internationals from all over the world. To pick out just a few, from England there are Mark Cueto, Hendre Fourie and Andrew Sheridan; from Wales Dwayne Peel and Andy Powell. Scotland are represented by Richie Vernon and Alasdair Dickinson. Sharks had representatives from seven nations at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The Sale colours have also been proudly worn in the past by World stars such as Jason Robinson, Fran Cotton, Steve Smith, Steve Hanley, Bryan Redpath, Luke McAlister, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Sebastien Chabal.
