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Sharks hold onto Scotland wing

Following on from the news earlier this week that Byron's fellow wing, Denny Solomona, and close friend AJ MacGinty have penned new four-year deals with Sale, confirmation of Byron's new contract is further demonstration of the club's intent and resolve to challenge for honours going forward.

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Namibian-born Byron, who is Scottish-qualified through his mother, started out his career with Border Bulldogs in South Africa before moving to the Northern Hemisphere and joining Glasgow Warriors following an impressive display for Scotland Sevens in the 2011/12 Sevens World Series

Byron spent two years at Scotstoun, scoring four tries in 20 appearances and also winning a Scotland A cap. He then crossed south of the border, moving to Exeter in November 2014 going on to make more than 20 appearances for the Chiefs.

However, Byron's career really took flight once he joined the Sharks in 2016.

In his debut campaign with Sale, Byron scored six tries from 20 appearances and hugely impressed both with his razor-sharp finishing skills and excellent defensive work.

So far this season, Byron's impact has been even more impressive for both club and country

After racing to the top of the Premiership try-scoring charts, scoring six tries from Sale's opening batch of league games, the 28-year-old earned a first call-up to the senior Scotland squad for the 2017 November Test series.

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After a debut appearance off the bench against New Zealand, Byron was then handed a first start against Australia and produced a man-of-the-match performance, claiming a brace of tries to help Gregor Townsend's side claim a record-breaking 53-24 win over the Wallabies.

Byron maintained that superb form on his return to the Sharks, claiming further crucial tries in wins against Bath and Harlequins, and he was then named in Scotland’s Six Nations squad, starting the opening match against Wales.

On the thought process behind signing again for Sale Byron said: 

"Re-signing with Sale Sharks for another three years was an easy decision for myself. I have some great friends at the club, my family love it here in Manchester and its a fantastic environment for me to kick on with my rugby. 

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I only see this club growing, getting better and as a group at Sale, we can go on and win trophies within the next three years. That's why I play the game, I want to win trophies and be part of a successful team.

I really enjoy running out at the AJ Bell, we have such a committed bunch of fans up here and I'm pleased to be sharing the next few years with them."

Commenting on Byron's new contract, Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond said: "It's fantastic news that Byron has agreed his new deal and we are delighted to have him on board for the next few years.

"After meeting Byron back in 2016 and giving him the opportunity to come to the club, he has grabbed it with both hands.

"Byron's exactly what we want at the club. He's very skilful, really enthusiastic, he can play in a number of positions and is now a fully-fledged Scottish international and we are absolutely thrilled to have him with us going forward.

"Following on from the news that Denny has also signed a new long-term contract, it's more really positive news for the club. They are both fantastic lads and to have them putting their bodies on the line for us over the next few years is where we want them to be."

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