Today. Kick-off 3pm, CorpAcq Stadium
Buoyed by the return of Mike Forshaw for the Prem Cup windows, Sale Sharks will field a youthful, energetic side for today’s clash with Gloucester.
Director of rugby Alex Sanderson makes 13 changes from the hard-fought Prem defeat at Leicester last time out.
Sale came into this weekend having beaten Bristol Bears 24-15 in their only appearance in the competition so far, back in September.
Forshaw, who spent a decade at Sale before leaving in 2023 to join Wales‘ national setup, rejoins the club as interim defence coach for their cup campaign to help out while Byron McGuigan is on England duty.
Stability
The former England rugby league second row brings experience and stability to a young squad.
“It felt like home as soon as I walked back in,” he said. “I know the culture, I know the players, and I want these lads to love defending.
“You have to be excited about getting the ball back – that’s what being a Sale player is about.”
Sanderson praised the appointment, saying: “It’s worked out perfectly for both sides. Forsh gets to stay close to home, and we get a world-class defence coach guiding our next generation.”
All set: England U20 skipper Tom Burrow and, below, coach Mike Forshaw
PICTURES: Getty Images
Future
With a host of academy stars eager to make their mark and a club legend back on the training pitch, today’s match offers a glimpse of Sale’s future – one built on youth, ambition and defensive grit.
Only flanker Tristan Woodman and prop James Harper remain from last weekend’s squad as the Sharks look to give valuable game time to the next generation.
The team will be captained by last season’s England U20 skipper Tom Burrow, who packs down in the second row alongside debutant Patrick Hogg, a former Newcastle academy lock.
Hogg is one of several players making their first senior appearances, reflecting the club’s ongoing commitment to developing homegrown talent.
Harper is joined by hooker Ethan Caine and loosehead Tumy Onasanya in the front row, while the back row features Seb Kelly at blindside, Woodman at openside, and No.8 Jos Gilmore.
Tom Curtis and Dom Hanson resume their half-back partnership, offering valuable experience to guide a backline bursting with youth and pace.
In midfield, Wilson and Wales U20 centre Osian Roberts form a lively partnership, with Obi Ene and Alex Wills on the wings and full-back Ollie Davies
On the bench, first-year academy lock Dylan Hodkinson and summer signing Reuben Logan – who joined from Northampton – are both in line for their Sharks debuts.
Teams
Sale Sharks: O Davies; Ene, Roberts, Wilson, Wills; Curtis, Hanson; Onasanya, Caine, Harper, Hogg, Burrow (c), Kelly, Woodman, Gilmore.
Replacements: Longstaff, McEachran, Bell, Hodkinson, H Davies, Thomas, Bradshaw, Logan.
Gloucester: Morris; Hathaway, W Knight, M Knight, Cotgreave; Barton, Austin; McArthur, Freeman-Price, Wright, Stevens, Gwynne, James, Taylor (c), Trenholm.
Replacements: Knowles, Alexander, Minnis, Allport, Gilbert, Price, Butler, Morris.
Referee: Sara Cox
READ MORE: Sale Sharks vs Gloucester: Fit-again Josh Hathaway adds touch of quality to back line
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