Baines relief at Sharks deal

And the Cheshire club reckon they’ve snapped up the best hooker in the Championship.

Baines penned a new deal this week, ending worries that the knee ligament injury suffered in a British and Irish Cup game at Plymouth in January could see him struggling to stay in the game.

But the 26-year-old has been given the all-clear to play and Sale are delighted with their acquisition. Said rugby director Steve Diamond: “I believe he has been the best hooker playing in the Championship this season.

“He's got big passion, is very ambitious and wants to play in the Premiership. He's still a young lad and this is a big opportunity for him."

Meanwhile, new head coach Lee Blackett has signed former star player Juan Pablo Socino for a second stint at Clifton Lane.