ALEX Sanderson believes Sale has signed 'one of the best fly-halves in the world' after Sharks pulled off a huge coup by clinching the signature of George Ford.
And although the director of rugby revealed they hadn't broken the bank to secure the 77-cap England star on a three-year deal from Leicester from next season, he admitted it would have a ripple effect' on the squad.
But without doubt, the signing sends out a message to the rugby world and leaves fans with the enticing prospect of seeing Raffi Quirke, Manu Tuilagi, and Ford in the same line-up next season.
The move comes just a week after news that fly-half AJ MacGinty was leaving the Sharks for Bristol.
Sanderson had by then had a number of chats with Ford, but the swift nature of the deal even surprised the boss, who believes the prospect to move back north was a key factor for the Oldhamborn player.
“I'm extremely excited, really excited, buzzing, jumping out of my boots excited. I'm excited, said Sanderson, who revealed it was Sale's third attempt in recent years at trying to sign the 28-year-old.
This story is from the November 18, 2021 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 18, 2021 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Co-op Live was days from opening, then it all went wrong
\"FOUR days until show time,\" the dot matrix sign outside Co-op Live read, on a photo shared online.
Notorious Gooch Gang boss dies in prison, aged 48
A GANGSTER who once led the feared Gooch Gang has died in prison.
Crackdown plan to tackle 'dangerous anti-social parking'
SURVEY NEAR STADIUM NAMES ISSUE AS NUMBER ONE PROBLEM
Scarlett hits the right note for her Corrie mum Tina
CORONATION Street star Tina O'Brien said she was 'so proud' as she shared a rare message about her daughter weeks after they were caught up in a shocking brawl outside their family home.
Banned dog that bit Uber Eats driver in face is returned to its owner
A BANNED dog that left an Uber Eats driver in hospital after biting him in the face has been allowed to return to its owner.
Couple 'will never leave' UK again after hols hell
HOLIDAYMAKERS' VOW OVER THREE-DAY JOURNEY TO GET BACK HOME FROM STORM-HIT DUBAI
Mum waved Samurai sword in dog poo row
A MUM tried to scare off her neighbours with a Samurai sword after a brawl erupted in a row over dog poo.
I was at death's door six months ago
CANCER BATTLE BAR BOSS GIVEN NEW HOPE WITH CLINICAL TRIAL
Tragedy chants United fan tells of 'deep shame'
'FAMILY MAN' HIT WITH THREE-YEAR FOOTBALL BANNING ORDER
Boxsters to boxing for Ashley
FORMER CAR SALESMAN HOPES TO HIT TOP AS PRO FIGHTER