The Six Nations may already be well underway, but this week the Sale Sharks are celebrating two more players swimming in international waters.
Charlie Wardle (fly-half) and Tristan Woodman (back-row) of Sale Sharks Academy have both been selected in the England U18s squad ahead of their upcoming fixture against France. Charlie goes to school at Altrincham Grammar and plays for Bowdon RUFC, whilst Tristan is a student at AKS Grammar and plays for Flyde RUFC.
Academy manager Fergus Mulchrone said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the players, their families, schools, and everyone at the club.
“Tristan and Charlie have performed consistently well throughout the U18s academy league and thoroughly deserve an opportunity in their national age group.”
After a series of strong performances, Sale Sharks U18s finished third in the northern conference of Premiership Rugby’s U18s League. Travelling to Sixways this Sunday for Finals Day, they now face Saracens in a battle for fifth place overall.
England U18s meanwhile will face France at the Stade Eugène Rossi in Saint-Raphaël, France, on Saturday 5th March, with the U18s Six Nations tournament due to start in April.
Fergus said: “It will certainly be a step up, but one that I think the players will relish.
“Testing themselves on the international stage will be a valuable learning experience and hopefully somewhere they can make their mark again!”
Fergus said the experience gained from playing at international level would be invaluable to Charlie and Tristan’s individual development.
“Playing on the big stage, the ability to deal with and embrace pressure, decision making speed, leadership, resilience are just a few qualities that spring to mind.
“Both players will come away from the experience a better Shark.”
