SALE Sharks have returned to pre-season training and director of rugby Steve Diamond has revealed how excited he is for the season to start with the Kings of the North Competition.

They begin their campaign away to Newcastle Falcons on September 6, before playing host to Leicester Tigers on September 12 at 2.30pm.

The squad then have a couple of weeks off, before the Falcons visit the AJ Bell Stadium on October 2 at 8pm at the AJ Bell Stadium, before finishing the tournament away to Leicester on October 10.

Diamond said: "We have four games and we can give all squad members a chance to impress, and we've got something to play for, it's a great competition.

"You can do only so much in pre-season. The lads are here to play rugby and not to train and you can't get the same intensity as a game, even in practice, so it'll be a good test for us."

He added: "I'm looking forward to it, plus with the World Cup on at the same time, hopefully we can attract people who haven't sampled rugby before, to come along to the games and hopefully, they'll become fans of the Sharks!"

It is just over eight weeks to the first home game of the season against Leicester Tigers in The Kings of the North Competition, why not get yourself a Sale Sharks season ticket?

This includes tickets to all the Aviva Premiership games, three European Rugby Challenge Cup games plus the two Kings of the North fixtures. Contact Paddy/Olly on 0161 667 7512/7519 or email info@salesharks.com with your name and number for a call back.