Today’s special occasion is tinged with sadness because it’s our chance, as a club, to say goodbye and pay our respects to two Sharks fans who have recently passed away, but who truly embodied everything good about our club.

ADELE COWGILL

Adele  loved her club but she was a rugby fan through and through. She generously gave back to the game she loved through volunteering, working here at Sale for more than eight years.

In recent years she volunteered as part of our Lifeguards programme, giving up her time to make sure your experience of a matchday at the Salford Stadium was a memorable one.

We will miss her passion, enthusiasm, and glittery face.

CHARLIE MACNAMARA

Charlie McNamara was a Sharks season ticket holder for more than 20 years, going back to the Heywood Road days. His passion for this club was matched only by his love of northern rugby, especially his beloved Wythenshawe Rugby Club, where he was chairman from 2017.

He truly wanted everyone to have the chance to play the game he loved and was instrumental in securing the Wythenshawe senior squad a place in the Halbro league, developing the minis and junior sections and securing the club its own playing fields.

Charlie will be sorely missed by all at the club and throughout the community of Wythenshawe.

Charlie was also the owner of a very special shirt. He won the shirt worn by Jason Robinson in his final game for Sale, but because it was the last game of that season, the picture below was never featured in a matchday programme.

Ahead of today’s men’s game, we ask you to join us in a minute’s applause for Adele and Charlie.