Sale Sharks are one of the leading professional Rugby Union clubs in Europe and the pride of the North West. Historically based in the Manchester suburb of Sale, but now playing at AJ Bell Stadium, the Sharks compete in the Aviva Premiership, having played in England’s top flight since 1994.

Since the game of Rugby Union turned professional in the mid 1990s, the Sharks have arguably been the archetypal success story, rising from the lower ranks to become a multiple trophy winner in the new Millennium. Sale Sharks have won two European Challenge Cup titles in 2002 and 2005 but the highlight remains their 2006 Premiership title, secured with a thumping 45-20 win over Leicester Tigers.

The club is an offshoot of amateur club Sale FC, still based at Heywood Road in Sale, while the Sharks share the A.J. Bell Stadium in Barton-upon-Irwell, Eccles with Salford Red Devils rugby league club.

Their junior team, the Jets, has developed players including Steve Hanley, Mark Cueto, Dean Schofield, Chris Jones, Andy Titterrell and Charlie Hodgson.

The club was founded in 1861 and is one of the oldest clubs in English rugby. Throughout their history they have been one of the leading rugby union clubs in the North of England. Sale moved into Heywood Road in 1905 and would remain there until 2003.