Two big Sharks slip through the net

James Gaskell and Henry Thomas will both leave Sale Sharks at the end of the current season.

This comes despite the best efforts of Director of Rugby Steve Diamond to retain them.

Diamond revealed that he is now targeting replacements and new arrivals.

"Jamma [Gaskell] and Henry [Thomas] are moving on at the end of the season and replacements are being sought as we speak," said the Sale Director of Rugby.

"We're confident that we'll replace the lads and we wish them all the best. Its the nature of the beast that while some players want to stay, others wish to move on.

"With both Henry and Jamma its not a money issue as to why they are moving on - its purely for rugby/lifestyle reasons. There's no rancour or bad feeling and we'll wish both of the lads good luck when they do move on.

"We're looking for a top class scrum half to replace Dwayne Peel and now a top class tighthead prop to replace Henry, and we're looking worldwide for the right players. Hopefully, we'll get some deals done within the next two or three weeks as we are down the line with one or two."