Aviva Premiership fixtures released for the forthcoming season have been released. With a delayed start due to the Rugby World Cup being taking place it will not be until the 17th October that fans get to see the Sale Sharks in action. After a relatively successful season last year they will be hoping to build on the back of the performances that saw them only just fail to reach the coveted sixth spot for European Champions Cup qualification. With a European Challenge Cup campaign to contend with alongside the Aviva Premiership it will be a challenging season.
Saracens are first up for Steve Diamond’s men posing a difficult test just two weeks before the Rugby World Cup draws to a close. Fans will be in two minds as to whether they want to see their England contingent facing up against each other or still wearing the red rose in World Cup action. The sight of Danny Cipriani starring in a World Cup qualifier that weekend will definitely be something on the wish lists of many Sale supporters. A strong start, however, against a team potentially shorn of many of their star players will pave the foundations for a strong assault on the Aviva Premiership table.
Reaction on social media was diverse with many fans more than happy to make the trip down to the Allianz to face Saracens with most concern and disappointment surrounding the boxing day fixture. A trip to play Exeter Chiefs was more than likely not at the top of Sale fans Christmas list but Devon bound they are. Danny Cipriani surely summed up the thoughts of most supporters with his tweet:
“Excited to see the fixtures out! @SaleSharksRugby great opening to test ourselves vs. Champs. But Exeter away on Boxing Day… #humbug” – @DannyCipriani87
With preseason already under way Sale will be fighting fit come the end of the October. The delayed start will give many players the extra chance to work on any building blocks from last season. As always the Aviva Premiership will be an extremely competitive tournament. The promotion of Worcester Warriors at the expense of last years bottom club, London Welsh, means that the battle for those European and playoff spots will certainly intensify. Every side appears to be able to pose a serious threat to each other and it is imperative that Sale get off to a strong start in order to stop being dragged into a heavyweight contest for relegation.
With the Aviva Premiership fixtures released it is now the countdown for English rugby fans to what will be a fantastic autumn and full season of rugby. The surge of focus on rugby in England with the hosting duties of the Rugby World Cup will potentially act as a springboard for attendances across the English game. Rugby will have its day in Manchester when England take on Uruguay on the 10th October at the Etihad Stadium but the fans arriving there need to be directed to the AJ Bell two weeks later for the start of Sale Sharks season against Worcester. Legacy is a word that has been banded about ever since the London Olympics but now rugby has the opportunity to build on this and introduce new fans to another great Aviva Premiership season.
Main Photo
