You never really know who is sitting next to you at a Sale Sharks Match. You don’t know their back story or even what they have done to show how much our club means to that person.
We are taking time to interact with such people and are asking some questions but overall allowing them to tell their story to a much bigger audience. Today we are going to share the story of Rod Nisbet and what Sale Sharks means to him.
What inspired your love for rugby and particularly for Sale Sharks?
Rod: “Growing up in Kenya rugby was the one sport open to all kids or all ages and sizes, and as one of the big kids I was called up from age 5 at a little primary school just outside Nairobi. My dad worked for a large company whose head office was in Manchester so they bought a house in Cheshire and every year on annual leave we would spend several months in and around Wilmslow, Alty and Sale from the early 80s and since then Cheshire has always felt like home, friends of my mum and dad were involved with both Wilmslow Rugby and Sale FC and me earliest memories of going to watch games was always one or the other and I’ve been a fan ever since, regardless of where I’ve been in the world I’ve always followed the Sharks – my home team”
How has being involved with rugby positively impacted your life?
Rod: “Having lived and worked all over the world, rugby has always been in my life, playing, coaching, watching. The social aspect in the sport is second to none and the friends I’ve made I am still in touch with most of them. The inclusion of the sport, being open to everyone always amazes me. Being a proper northern fan and living in Edinburgh it was always a struggle to get to games, starting with Edgley Park then a random game at the now Macron Stadium and onto the AJ Bell we always got tickets in random stands until we met Graham (we all know him as Old Grey Dog – writer of the view from the south stand) and he invited us to join him in the South Stand and we were made to feel so welcome we’ve never looked back and made even more great friends. Being able to be involved in rugby is one of the most important aspects of my life”
How does the Sale Sharks Foundation’s work in promoting rugby and community engagement resonate with you personally?
Rod: “The work that the Sharks Foundation first appeared to me when I was heard of the Sharks Forces, as an ex Navy Lad I am always drawn to anything that helps out ex forces, then discovering the work they do to promote life in the local community reminds me of work done by various clubs in Kenya, in particular Nondies in Nairobi that back in the late 80s opened up a project to help street kids get off the streets through rugby. To see so many kids and adults from so many different backgrounds & disabilities being brought into the sharks family, the smiles, the enjoyment on match days fills me with so much pride in the club and what Rugby is all about. That was part of the reason I launched Sharkbait when I set up my coffee company, to be able in my own way to give something back to the club and show my support for their foundation”
Can you share a memorable experience or story related as a Sale Sharks supporter?
Rod: “There have been so many, taking Laura to her first sharks game which included a meet and great with Billy Whizz, to winning the Prem, making the Semi finals the Final there is no shortage of memorable experiences, getting a birthday hug off Gus W and the lads putting 50 points on the board for my 50th – still makes me smile, having a friend of mine write a song dedicated to the Sharks and the fans https://open.spotify.com/track/5LqJtE10rDUeDy618scyfI?si=c082a1d0a4264005
But the most memorable experience Ive ever had involving sharks was being able to go on a journey of remembrance to the Somme and Flanders to track down several fallen Sale FC players from WW1. We took a club tie and plaque and found 10 of them, and at the end of the trip laid a wreath on behalf of the club at the Menin Gate during one of their Last Post Ceremonies – this will stay with me forever”
This is just one of many stories we will tell throughout the season hoping to inspire future generations of Sale Sharks fans.
If you are able, please scan the QR code below to make a donation to the Sale Sharks Foundation. Your support will greatly help us in giving back to our communities
