Fact-File:
Last season: 10th
Home ground: AJ Bell Stadium (104 miles)
Odds: 150/1
Sparkling Solomona:
A seemingly torrid season for Sale as a dreadful run of results dragged them into an unexpected relegation battle has turned into a summer of hope with the emergence of several young stars.
The scintillating form of controversial new signing Denny Solomona was another bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Sharks’ faithful as he finished an astounding third in the Premiership try-scoring charts despite having a short season.
The young core of Solomona, the Curry brothers and Josh Beaumont means that Director of Rugby Steve Diamond will be expecting a more comfortable season than the one just gone, with a place in the top six not out of reach.
Wins over play-off sides Leicester Tigers and Wasps also give some hope but losing became an almost unshakeable habit for Steve Diamond’s men with the losses to relegated Bristol particularly jarring.
Ins and Outs:
In:
Josh Strauss (Glasgow Warriors), Will Cliff (Bristol), Marc Jones (Bristol), Alexandru Tarus (Beziers), Jono Ross (Stade Français), WillGriff John (Doncaster Knights), Faf de Klerk (Lions), James O’Connor (Toulon)
Outs:
Mike Phillips (retired), Sam Tuitupou (Coventry), Sam Bedlow (Bristol Rugby), Matt Rogerson (Jersey Reds), Brian Mujati (Ospreys), Neil Briggs (retired), James Mitchell (Connacht), Kieran Longbottom (Saracens), Andrew Hughes (released), Charlie Ingall (released), Tim Jeffers (released), Magnus Lund (released), Jonathan Mills (released), Tom Morton (released), Dan Mugford (Plymouth Albion), Peter Stringer (Worcester Warriors)
Last season v Wasps:
Anglo-Welsh Cup Pool Stage: Sale Sharks 17-13 Wasps
Premiership Round 9: Wasps 34-24 Sale Sharks
Premiership Round 15: Sale Sharks 34-28 Wasps
Dates for the diary:
Wasps v Sale Sharks: September 2 2017; 15:00
Sale Sharks v Wasps: April 6/7/8 2018; kick-off to be confirmed
Jacob Leeks 