'All systems go' for the Wasps game

Carrington was bright, not too breezy - and not too cold, either - today. Pictured are the first team squad working on some moves at training. Joe Ward, seven years a Wasp before his move North last Summer, is particularly looking forward to Friday.  He tells us more in his interview - see the top right on our Home page. 

Team news will be announced on Thursday lunchtime.

Other videos coming up later this week are a fascinating chat with Performance Manager Nigel Ashley-Jones, and the presentation of the Gatorade Gamechanger Award to Onosa'i Auva'a. It's an exclusive - so keep your eyes peeled on this website!

Friday's match will not be televised: to see it, be there!  Tickets: 08444 994 994 or click here to buy online

CVS SETS EDGELEY PARK BUZZING WITH MATCH TICKETS FOR 100

On Friday, Sale Sharks will be joined at Edgeley Park by around 100 spectators from one Old Trafford-based business, CVS. But the local crowd will not be cheering for the home side as the firm's chief executive, Mark Rigby, is chairman of the opposition, London Wasps.

Rigby, of business rates specialists CVS, acquired the tickets through membership of Sale Sharks Premier Business club. Commenting on the upcoming match, he said: "We joined Sale's Premier Business club as it combines two things I'm passionate about - forging links with local businesses and rugby.

"Of course I'm hoping for a win for the Wasps, but there'll be no hard feelings whichever way it goes. I think the CVS team might see a different side to me come match day, something that isn't often displayed when challenging business rates!"

The game is key for Sale who have hopes of finishing in the Premiership playoffs while Wasps will be pushing hard for victory to drive them further out of relegation danger. London Wasps captain Marco Wentzel said: "All games in the Aviva Premiership are tough and away games even more so, so we're looking forward to these fans making a lot of noise for us at a very tough place to play. Sale are having a good season and will be pushing hard to try and ensure they get at least a top six finish so we're not going to get anything easy up there."

The match is being billed as 'Friends United' by Sharks as, among some ex-Wasps players in the team, the Sharks' head coach, Tony Hanks, was formerly director of rugby of for Wasps. Commenting on the imminent reunion, Rigby said: "I have the utmost respect for Tony, not just as a coach but as a friend. Regardless of the result we'll share a drink at full time - but the outcome will decide who's paying!"

Sale Sharks' Head Coach Tony Hanks replied: "We are looking forward to being back at home this week, with the Sale faithful behind us in what will be another tough match. It is great to see local businesses such as CVS getting behind the game and it reflects the growing enthusiasm around the club. While I am sure my good friend Mark Rigby will be cheering for the Wasps Team, it will be our opportunity to impress his CVS colleagues and make sure they become Sharks supporters of the future."

Mark Rigby, Wasps Chairman