SALE Sharks will entertain Northampton Saints in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final, at the AJ Bell Stadium on Thursday, April 3, Kkick-off 8pm.

The game will be Sharks biggest in Europe since making the quarter finals in 2008. Sale Sharks won the competition back in 2002 and again in 2005 while Northampton lifted the trophy in 2009.

The game sees Steve Diamond and Jim Mallinder going head to head as respective directors of rugby. Both Steve and Jim have been friends for many years since playing for Sale and were the coaching duo that brought major silverware to the club in 2002 with the win over Pontypridd at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford.

Diamond said: “This is a game we are all looking forward to. Northampton's side is loaded with both internationals and ex-Sharks (Foden, Day and Burrell) and we have the slight advantage of being at home.

“The lads won five out of six group games including the win in Biarritz and we will be going all out to try and win the game and if we do, we have Harlequins or Stade Francais to look forward to three weeks later.”

The game will also mark the launch of the newly formed Sale Sharks Past Players Association and many of the victorious 2002 side will there evening to enjoy the game and meet the fans.

Chairman Gordon McKie said: “Although the game is outwith the current season ticket deal, we want to reward our loyal season ticket holders and ticket prices for them will be £10 adults and £5 for concessions, anywhere in the ground (excluding hospitality area) “Children under 10 go free too.”

Tickets for season ticket holders went on Friday and season ticket holders can buy an additional three tickets for the game at the same price.

Non Season Ticket holders will be able to buy tickets from Friday, March 7 and they will be priced at £15 for adults and £10 for concessions (under 10s go free).

Gordon McKie added. “We are looking to attract our big crowd for what is our most important game for some time and I hope our supporters turn up in numbers and get behind Steve and the guys for this fixture. Our fans give the players a massive boost at home games."

Full ticket details

Season ticket holders will pay £5 for a concession/junior anywhere in the ground (other than hospitality) and £10 for a full paying adult. Season ticket holders are entitled to a further three tickets at these prices, and are rewarded for their loyal support by getting the first week to book as a priority, where their current seat/place in the stand will be held until Thursday, March 6 at 6pm.

Tickets will then go on sale on Friday, March 7, to the general public, who will pay £10 for a concession/junior, and £15 for a full paying adult, again anywhere in the ground, standing or sitting.

Family ticket bundles are also available, with families being able to pay a minimum of £20 for an adult and two children to attend.

Tickets can be purchased by phoning 08444-994-994 or online at www.salesharks.com.

For a call back please email info@salesharks.com