Sharks name new captain

Sale Sharks boss Phillipe Saint Andre has named Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe as club captain for the new season. The Argentina international follows in the footsteps of Jason White and Jason Robinson and admitted to being, “delighted to be named as captain of Sale Sharks”.

Fernandez Lobbe has made 11 eleven European appearances in his two seasons with Sale, playing every position in the back row. He has scored four tires and become one of the big ball carriers in Saint Andre’s side.

Those were likely to be factors that lead to the director of rugby’s decision. He said: “Juan is a great player and more importantly he is a great team player and I believe he will do a fantastic job leading the players and setting an example in his role as captain.”

CEO James Jennings said, “The appointment of Juan Lobbe as captain is recognition of his great contribution last season, when he was probably our most consistent player. On the field he leads by example and has great tactical acumen which he acquired from his time at Sale Sharks and as an Argentine International.

“The appointment of Sebastian Chabal and Dean Schofield as vice-captains shows the strength in depth we have in natural rugby leaders and I am sure that they will also make a massive contribution to leading the team through next season.