Sale Sharks is an English rugby union club, formed in 1861 as Sale FC. Its men's team is scheduled to play in the 2026/27 Gallagher PREM season. The club also has a women's team, an academy and a foundation.
History
The club was formed in 1861 as Sale FC. By the club's count, this date, which appears on the team's playing kit, makes Sale "one of the oldest-established clubs in England".
The Sharks name was introduced in 1999, five years after the club's promotion to English rugby's top division, and Sale Sharks began the 1999/2000 Premiership season under the new name on 11 September. In the 2000s the club won its first European trophies, the Challenge Cup in 2002 against Pontypridd and in 2005 against Pau. It won the 2005/06 Premiership title with a 45–20 victory over Leicester Tigers at Twickenham. The club moved to its current home, then called the Salford Stadium, in 2012.
Women's team
The club launched its women's team in 2020.
Honours
Men's honours by the club's count:
- Premiership champions: 2005/06
- European Challenge Cup winners: 2002, 2005
Ground
The club's ground is the CorpAcq Stadium.
Teams and training
The club's teams are the men's team, the women's team and the academy. It also runs a foundation.
Women's team
The women's team plays as Sale Sharks Women. It is scheduled to play in the 2026/27 season of Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR).
Club life
Women's team
The club invites supporters to help create "a financial and sustainable Sale Sharks women's team, independent of owner funding".