THREE of Manchester Grammar School’s most promising rugby players have been selected for the Sale Sharks' Under-18 Academy side this year.

Didsbury duo Charlie Pozniak, aged 18, and Abdul Khan, aged 17, along with Sol Neild, aged 18, of Hale have been selected for the squad.

And Pozniak has been given the additional honour by being named captain, leading the team for the first time as the Sharks beat Newcastle Falcons 36-15 recently.

Pozniak and Neild have been involved with Sale Sharks for the past four years, and have played in a number of positions throughout their time at MGS.

Khan was added to the Sharks squad last year after impressing for the MGS first XV.

On being named captain, Pozniak said: “It’s extremely humbling to be appointed as a leader of anything and a rugby team is no different.

"To be able to captain a group of such talented athletes is an honour and to have the opportunity to play in one of the most challenging leagues in the country is something I will relish.

“Playing at Sale has been pivotal to my development as a player, and leading them out onto the pitch for the first time was a truly memorable experience.”

Neild’s older brother Cameron also attended MGS between 2006 and 2013 and joined the Sharks Academy set-up straight from there.

He has recently signed a new four year-deal at the club and was named joint Young Player of the Season.

Pozniak added: “When you see people like Cam driving the first XV on, it’s a big inspiration for myself and the other younger lads.

"We are looking up to the likes of Cam and it’s great to see him doing so well, so hopefully that can be another inspiration for us.”

Steve Swindells, director of rugby at MGS, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for MGS to have three players involved within the Sale Sharks academy squad and it shows that the development pathway we drive here really works.

“All three have worked incredibly hard to achieve this honour, both on and off the field, and I’m confident they can all represent themselves and the school fantastically well throughout the tough academy fixture programme.”