Sale confirm list of 12 players leaving at the end of the season

Gallagher Premiership title chasers Sale have confirmed that a dozen players will leave at the end of the current season. The exits of long-serving pair Will Cliff and Jono Ross, as well as Scottish internationals Byron McGuigan and Ewan Ashman, had already been revealed, but the Sharks have now confirmed their full list of leavers, adding eight more names to their departures file.

A statement read: “Sale Sharks can confirm the players that will depart the club after the conclusion of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season. Following the announced departures of club legends Will Cliff and Jono Ross alongside Scotland internationals Byron McGuigan and Ewan Ashman earlier this season, a further eight players will leave the Sharks at the end of the club’s most successful season in over 15 years.

“Academy graduates Ben Carlile, Elliot Gourlay, Kieran Wilkinson and Matt Postlethwaite will all leave the club to head for pastures new, as will centre Sam Hill following two seasons in the North-West. Jason Woodward, Ryan Mills and Dom Barrow will also depart following the conclusion of their short-term contracts at Sale.

“Everyone at the club would like to thank our outgoing players for their contribution to Sale Sharks over the years and wish them the very best for the future.”

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: “I would like to thank every single one of these boys for their contribution. They have all played a part in the club’s most successful season in over 15 years. It’s never easy letting players leave, especially northern lads who have come through our academy, but it’s a sign of the changing dynamic of the game.

“I’m grateful to have had the privilege to work with each one of them and get to know them on a personal level. I have made friends for life and as I always say the door is never shut, they’re always welcome at the AJ Bell and I wish them all the very best for the future.”