HOOKER LONGSTAFF SIGNS NEW SHARKS DEAL
Sale Sharks hooker Alfie Longstaff has committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new deal keeping him in Manchester until at least 2029.
The talented 20-year-old joined the club on a Senior Academy contract ahead of the 2024/25 season and made his Gallagher PREM debut later that year as a replacement against Bristol Bears.
Yorkshireman Alfie shot to prominence last season, making his Champions Cup debut in the Aviva Stadium against Leicester and then starting four consecutive Gallagher PREM games during the Run-In.
In total Alfie, who played his junior rugby at Sandal and then the Yorkshire Rugby Academy, has made 11 first team appearances for the club and scored three tries in his four starts.
On the international scene, Alfie has played for England at U18 and U19 level and in 2025 was selected in the squad for the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship.
Alfie said: “I had a really good taste of first team rugby in big games at the back end of last season, and it’s made me want even more. It was exciting and it did probably come earlier than I was expecting but I was ready, and I wanted to take the opportunity with both hands.
“Playing at the Aviva Stadium against a really good Leinster team was an amazing experience. I felt like I had the support of all the boys and the whole club and I absolutely loved it.
“Now my challenge is to build on hat I did last year, keep improving and be involved with the first team more consistently.
“We’ve got such a great mix of coaches and senior players here, especially in my position, and I know that if I’m a sponge and take in as much as I possibly can, I’ll keep learning and improving. I want to become a regular in the team here.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Alfie is a massive talent and he took his opportunity last season with both hands. We’re delighted that he’s committed his future to the club because we believe he could be a really top player at this club for a very long time.”
Related articles
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
