Sam Dugdale

Flanker Sam Dugdale started his career in the Sale Sharks Academy at age 14, whilst attending Kirkham Grammar School and playing his rugby for local team Preston Grasshoppers.  

Sam signed a full-time contract with Sale Sharks when he left school and went on to make appearances for the club in Premiership Rugby’s A-League, the Premiership Rugby Cup and the European Challenge Cup whilst part of the club’s senior academy set up. 

He was released by the club at the end of the 19/20 season upon completion of his contract after the club was forced to review the financial impact of the COVID 19 pandemic but the lively flanker spent just a few months away from the professional game, re-signing with the Sharks on a short-term contract just four months later, following a string of injuries in the Sale back-row. 

The 20 year-old took his opportunity with both hands and impressed the Sale coaching staff with his ability, desire and determination after re-signing. Dugdale was included in the Heineken Champions Cup squad the following year and was rewarded with a new contract that will see him remain with the Sharks until 2023. 

After signing his new deal, Sam said: “I’m really happy to have extended my contract here at Sale and I’m hugely excited for what the future holds both for me and the club. The brief time away I had from the professional game was a huge learning curve for me and did nothing but increase my desire to improve as a player. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to get a second shot to prove myself with Sale and I am taking the opportunity to learn and develop with both hands.”