Sale Sharks’ Director of Rugby Steve Diamond expects a reaction from his side at tonight’s game against Newcastle and is hoping they can address the issues of last weekend’s Wasps loss.

Departing Sale Sharks hooker Tommy Taylor has spoken of his pride in representing his hometown club – but says that now is the time for a new challenge.

Sale Sharks have exceeded a lot of people’s expectations this year and World Cup winner Will Greenwood believes their integration of youngsters has been key.

Sale Sharks youngster Cameron Neild says he would welcome rugby league players wanting to switch codes amid speculation the club are set to sign Josh Charnley from Wigan Warriors.

Danny Cipriani showed his England potential this weekend as Sale Sharks beat Wasps in their first Aviva Premiership match of 2016 at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Thousands of wasps and large numbers of flying ants are expected to plague Britain in record numbers for the next few weeks, according to Wyevale Garden Centre groups.

Sharks have never won the Anglo-Welsh competition despite making two finals and this year’s campaign gives them the chance to blood some youngsters as well as give recovering players valuable match time, including Braid who returns after injury on day one

Former England international Mark Cueto has stressed the important role senior players have in guiding the development of younger members of the team, and is hopeful of contributing towards a successful season for Sale in what is likely to be his last