SALE Sharks duo Johnny Leota and TJ Ioane have been named in the Samoa squad for the Rugby World Cup squad.

Samoa coach Stephen Betham said: "We've had some challenges with injuries ruling out valuable players such as James Johnston, Pele Cowley and David Lemi.

"This has been an incredibly difficult selection process. We have had to leave behind some excellent players.

"We cannot take everyone, and there is comfort in knowing that we have depth should we need to call on it.

"Congratulations to all players who have been selected – I know they will represent our country with much pride and dignity."

Meanwhile, Danny Cipriani will be looking to increase the Sale contingent at the World Cup by impressing Stuart Lancaster in Saturday's QBE International at Twickenham Stadium against France.

The fly-half will have to make an impact from the bench as he has been named as a substitute.

Elsewhere, coach Steve Diamond reckons the Sharks are in good shape as they gear up for the Kings of the North clash with Leicester Tigers on September 12.

With the club's first home game in the new tournament just a month away, the Sharks have stepped up their training programme.

This summer's training sessions at the club's facilities at Carrington have been boosted by Paul Deacon's arrival on to the coaching staff and the use of innovative tools, like a new drone to ensure the sessions are being watched from every angle.

The squad has been strengthened by the arrival of Irish legend Peter Stringer and All Black lock Bryn Evans, plus the return of hooker Neil Briggs.

He said: "Training has been going well and the players are all in a positive mood. We still have plenty of work to do but we are looking forward to getting into action."