Quartet pledge future to Sharks
Sale Sharks boss Steve Diamond has continued his rebuilding plans for next season by agreeing new deals with four more of his current squad.
In what has been a hectic final week of the season, which has seen six new signings confirmed by the Sharks, the club have now confirmed new contracts for a quartet of players.
Promising young lock Tom Holmes, wing Tom Brady, No.8 Mark Easter and versatile prop/hooker Aston Croall have all committed themselves to Sale Sharks.
Holmes has emerged as one of the rising stars of Sale after hugely impressing in the second row despite the Sharks' nerve-shredding battle to avoid relegation, and at 23, the Sandbach-born enforcer is now eager to kick on and build on a fine personal campaign.
For Flixton-born wing Brady it's been a testing campaign after the heady success of his first two seasons in professional rugby with his progress stalled by both injury and suspension.
But the 2012 Young Player of Year bounced back to his best by scoring the vital match-winning try in Sale's vital 14-13 league win over Bath in March and is eager to kick on next season and beyond.
Former Northampton star Easter's season was effectively over in November after he was sidelined with a shoulder injury which required surgery.
But the brother of England back row star Nick Easter will be a key figure next season with Sale short of options at No.8 following the departures of Andy Powell and Richie Vernon.
Croall meanwhile has found his opportunities limited after spending last season on loan at champions Harlequins but he has impressed Diamond with his attitude and commitment to the cause.
And the 28-year-old's versatility in being able to play as both as a loosehead prop and a hooker will be invaluable.
And Diamond was delighted at being able to retain the quartet's services.
"All four are really good lads who have a great work ethic and they are people who care about the club," said the Sale director of rugby.
"They have all got the right culture and we are really pleased that they have all re-committed to Sale and they will be very important to us going forward into next season."
