News

Sale complete clean sweep

September 30 2008

Sale Sharks have secured further recognition for their unbeaten start to the season by securing both the Guinness Premiership Director of Rugby and Player of the Month Awards for September.

Philippe Saint-Andre has been rewarded for guiding his team to the top of the English table and becoming the first team in the eleven-year history of the league to play four consecutive matches without conceding a try.

Sale continued their good start to the season on Friday when they beat a much fancied Gloucester outfit 23-9 at Edgeley Park.

The Sharks now face a tricky trip to the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday to play London Irish, before Saint-Andre leads them into EDF Energy Cup action against Cardiff Blues and then back into the furnace of the Heineken Cup.

"I am delighted to have been selected for this award. This is an award that I want to share with the owners, directors, backroom staff, players and admin staff at the club," the Frenchman said.

"I would also like to thank the Sale Sharks supporters who have backed me since my arrival at the club back in 2004. Thank you."

Sale Sharks' All Black centre Luke McAlister has been named Guinness Premiership Player of the Month for September for his role in those wins.

McAlister narrowly shaded Charlie Hodgson for the award and the pair have been central to Sale's good form, both as playmakers and effective kickers whether from set pieces or out of hand.

"I am delighted to be named Guinness Premiership Player of the Month. We have had a great start to the season and Sale Sharks are a great club to play for," McAlister said.

"I am enjoying my rugby at the club; we have a good squad and a great team spirit at the club. We have had a good start but there is a long way to go and no one is getting carried away."