Kieran Wilkinson

Fly-half Kieran Wilkinson joined the Sale Sharks academy in 2017 after leaving Kirkham Grammar School, in Lancashire – a school with a long history of producing international rugby players. 

A skilful and aggressive fly-half, Kieran isn’t afraid to back himself with ball in hand or off the kicking tee – much like his heroes Aussie Quade Cooper and England legend Jonny Wilkinson. 

Kieran made his first team debut for Sharks against Perpignan in the European Challenge Cup in 2018, putting in a composed performance to guide his side to a 41-24 victory.  

He’s shared his journey through the ranks at Sale with two more Kirkhamians – Connor Doherty and Aaron Reed. And the similarities don’t end there. Kieran, Connor and Aaron have also played together at England youth level too. 

He said: “I enjoy watching all Number 10s and admired guys like Quade Cooper, Beauden Barrett and Danny Cipriani as well, but Jonny Wilkinson would have been the big one I watched growing up.”