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Sarah Beckett joins Sale Sharks as club eyes play‑off spot

BBC Sport •
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England winger Sarah Beckett has signed for Sale Sharks, becoming the third Gloucester‑Hartpury player to join the club this season. She will link up with her brother Charlie, who took over as Sale’s defence coach last year. Beckett praised his tactical acumen and said the family link adds excitement.

Sale entered the campaign after a disastrous 2024‑25 season that left them bottom of the Premiership Women’s Rugby table with just one win from sixteen games. This year they have surged into contention for the final play‑off spot with two rounds remaining, signalling a remarkable turnaround.

The recruitment drive also saw fly‑half Hollie Aitchison and hooker Amy Cokayne arrive last summer, while Scotland wing Rhona Lloyd added pace on the flank. Together with new signings Stratford and Heard, the squad now boasts a blend of international experience and domestic talent, raising expectations among supporters.

With Beckett’s arrival, Sale’s back three gains a proven England attacker who can stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities. Her familiarity with the coaching staff should accelerate integration, giving the Sharks a tactical edge as they chase a play‑off berth. The signing underscores Sale’s ambition to convert a season‑long revival into silverware.