Sale Sharks has signalled the club’s commitment to identifying and developing the very best North West talent by awarding Senior Academy contracts to five of the region’s brightest talents.
Four players – Jordan Ikeh, Will Bayston, Charlie Bray and Lawrence Ogbonnya – will join on full-time contracts from the start of the 2026/27 season, while Austin Keogh will take up a bursary contract, combining his studies at MMU with training at the club during academic breaks.
The five hail from right across the North West. Will Bayston played his junior rugby at Selby and went to school in Sedbergh, while Charlie Bray (Preston Grasshoppers) and Lawrence Ogbonnya (Winnington Park) have both been at school at Kirkham Grammar.
Stockport Grammar student Jordan Ikeh grew up playing for his home club of Stockport and Austin played for Macclesfield Rugby Club and went to school at Macclesfield Campus.
All five have represented England at age grade level with Lawrence and Charlie playing for the U18s and U19s, Jordan and Will at U18 level and Austin at U17.
Back rower Jordan Ikeh said: “I was in Year 7 at Stockport Grammar School when I was encouraged by my teacher, Chris Jones, to commit to rugby. From there, I fell in love with the game, joined Stockport Rugby Club and the academy, and now find myself in this fortunate position.
“I love the physical side of the game — the direct, competitive edge, carrying hard, making aggressive tackles and attacking the breakdown. I’m looking forward to developing those areas as I step up into the senior environment.
“I’m really looking forward to training alongside the Sale pack, especially the Curry brothers, and with Courtney Lawes joining as well. I’m excited to develop, learn and put my best foot forward in every session.”
Tighthead prop Lawrence has impressed at England U18 and U19 level, with highlights showcasing his ball-carrying and offloading ability during the recent U19 campaign.
He said: “When I started, I never thought I’d be representing England at U18s and U19s. I just played because my mates did, and I’ve always been competitive in everything I do.
“Being offered a senior contract means a lot to me, and to everyone who has helped me get to this point — especially my parents, along with my coaches Matthew Bradshaw and David Joliffe, who have pushed me to keep improving my game.
“Over the next few years, I want to earn the opportunity to wear the Sharks shirt and put in consistent performances for Sale Sharks. That would mean a lot to me and my family. I’m excited to learn from the coaches and senior players and, over time, put myself in a position to compete for a starting shirt.”
Back-rower Charlie joined Sharks at the age of 15 and has progressed through the academy pathway.
He said: “It’s going to be a huge challenge, but I’m looking forward to it. Being around the senior lads and part of that environment — learning and developing my game — is something I can’t wait to experience.
“I’m a physical, fast flanker and I’m keen to keep developing my game. Training alongside the Curry brothers and Courtney Lawes, and learning from their experience at both club and international level, is something I’m really looking forward to.
Scrum-half Will joins the Senior Academy after progressing through the club pathway since U16 level. He was recently selected for the England U18 Six Nations squad.
He has demonstrated his attacking threat, including a standout moment on Finals Day when he broke from inside his own half to score. He is known for his dynamic, attack-minded style of play.
Full-back Austin joins on a bursary contract. During pre-season, he had his first taste of senior training after being invited into the 2025/26 senior pre-season group ahead of the U18 Academy campaign, and now looks to make a mark with this latest opportunity.
Sharks Academy Manager Fergus Mulchrone said: “There is so much talent in our region, and it is always a tough process deciding who to offer contracts to. We believe these players have the potential to become top-level PREM players, but the hard work really starts now.
“In recent years, players like Tom Roebuck, Raffi Quirke, Ben Curry and Tom Curry have progressed through the Senior Academy to become Sharks regulars and earn international recognition.
“That shows what is possible for these lads. Now it’s on us to work with them to help them reach their potential.”
