New Sale Sharks general manager Jeremy Butler wants to engage with new rugby fans in the North West in order to increase attendances at the AJ Bell Stadium.
The former Tranmere Rovers chief executive increased season ticket sales with the Merseyside club which saw them gain a significant rise in commercial revenue.
Now he wants to achieve similar things with Sharks in a year where plenty of new rugby fans will start to see the delights of the game at the World Cup.
“We are in a World Cup year and there is a great opportunity to engage with new rugby fans,” said the 46-year-old.
“It’s also a great time to give SME’s and major corporations a platform to promote their brand at a time when rugby will take centre stage in the United Kingdom.”
Sharks are the only North West team in the Aviva Premiership and when they are surrounded by the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and the Salford Red Devils, bringing in fans is tough.
But Butler has said that Sharks are a top class rugby club that he wants to drive forward and he intends to start by encouraging fans to give long-serving winger Mark Cueto a huge send off.
He added: “The board are looking to drive the club forward and this is an exciting time to be involved in a prestigious organisation that has a reach right across the north-west.
“We have our own unique occasion to celebrate with Mark Cueto playing his last home game for the Sale Sharks against Newcastle Falcons on May 9.
“I would urge all fans of the game to come along and give him a great send off.”
Main image courtesy of Official Tranmere Rovers via YouTube, with thanks.