Sharks handed Christmas bonus
Sale Sharks have been handed a massive early Christmas boost with the news that five key players have agreed new deals with the club.
Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has revealed that forward trio Vadim Cobilas (two years), Andrei Ostrikov (one year extension) and Mark Easter (two years) together with powerful centres Johnny Leota (two years) and Mark Jennings (two years) will all be extending their stays at the AJ Bell Stadium.
And getting the quartet to agree to new contracts has served as the perfect fillip ahead of Saturday's testing trip to Leicester.
Moldavian International Vadim Cobilas has been one of the form players in the Aviva Premiership this season
Russian second row powerhouse Ostrikov has emerged as one of Sale's key forwards since Diamond brought him to England from French club rugby.
Back row star Easter has been hit by injuries over the past 18 months but reminded everyone of his worth earlier this season with a series of outstanding individual displays.
Samoan World Cup star Leota has formed a formidable centre partnership with fellow Southern Hemisphere heavy hitter Sam Tuitupou in his two and half years at the club.
And the news that 20-year-old centre Jennings will be around for at least another two seasons is a huge boost given the way he has recovered from a serious bicep injury to deliver some barnstorming displays in the past six weeks, not least a man of the match displays away at Saracens last month.
"Vadim, Andrei, Mark, Johnny and young Mark have all agreed new deals with us which is great news," said Diamond.
"We've got a happy ship and the guys want to be around and to be an important part of it.
"We're doing well fitness wise, there's a competitive edge to selection which means no-one is secure of their place.
"Were not into rotation but we are into looking after players so there's a really positive feel about the place and hopefully we can kick on from here"
