Rochdale’s Nathan Fowles is expecting big things from Sale Sharks this season, despite their exit at the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series group stage on Friday night.
The 20-year-old stood out for Sale at Franklin’s Gardens, but defeats to Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers condemned them to the exit despite beating hosts Northampton Saints.
But Fowles, who made his Premiership and Heineken Cup debuts last season, is convinced the Sharks can improve considerably on their tenth-placed league finish last year.
And, on a personal level, the former Rochdale scrum-half believes he can only improve under the guidance of those ahead of him in the pecking order.
“There’s a lot more clarity in our play and a lot more understanding this year going into the season,” he said.
“There are new faces and a bit of a freshen up in the coaching staff – everyone knows their roles – and I think we can hit the ground running this year.
“The season before last we finished top six and I think we exceeded a lot of people’s expectations. Now we realise it’s all about us really and how we put ourselves about on the pitch – I can’t wait.
“I can only go up really, as long as I learn from week to week. People like Will Cliff are obviously a couple of years ahead of me and obviously we’ve got Dwayne Peel at the club.
“We’re a great experienced side and I can learn from them and their careers – Peely is a British and Irish Lion. It’s a great place to learn and obviously develop.”
Fowles enjoyed something of a breakthrough season last year, even featuring in the LV= Cup final, which Sale lost to Harlequins.
But for many of the youngsters on show at Franklin’s Gardens it was the biggest crowd of their career and Fowles enjoyed the experience.
“There were loads of highlights for me last year,” he added. “Hopefully more of the same this year and a bit more game time maybe.
“It’s a good opportunity. Some players have never played on TV before so it’s good to get everyone out – especially in front of a decent crowd.
“It’s a good turnout, a good atmosphere, especially playing against Saints – it’s a good experience.
“It’s always good to get a bit of rust out of the works. To get a bit of a run-out before the season starts is always good. There are things to work on as well, so we’ve got to go back and practice now.”
For tickets to the J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby Series Final at 7pm on Friday August 9 at The Rec, Bath visit: bathrugby.com/tickets
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