Sale Sharks are hoping to ride the current wave of Manchester-based sporting optimism and become the first northern side to claim the Premiership title for 17 years. Not since 2006 have the Sharks hoisted the domestic league trophy but their England fly-half George Ford says the club now have their eyes firmly fixed on the prize.
With both Manchester City and United in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend and City also firmly in contention for Premier League and Champions League honours, Ford is keenly aware of the serious local competition in terms of headlines but believes a home Premiership semi-final for Sale would raise rugby’s profile across the north of England.
