SALE Sharks will have an elite women’s side in the top domestic league in England from next season.

Newly-appointed head of women’s rugby Darren Lamon will lead a side in the Tyrells Premier 15s from the 2020/21 campaign.

England Rugby confirmed the Sharks will be part of the competition for three years and will be joined by Bristol Bears Women, DMP Durham Sharks, Exeter Chiefs Women, Gloucester-Hartpury Women, Harlequins Women, Loughborough Lightning, Saracens Women, Wasps FC Ladies and Worcester Warriors Women.

The Sharks will continue to work with Sale FC and the Sale 1861 team who won the National Challenge One league this season.

The club will also be offering a Centre of Excellence where the best talent in the North West get access to a professional set-up.

“Since investing in Sale Sharks, Simon and I have realised that we are so much more than a club but a family, “ said Sharks co-owner Michelle Orange.

“Given these unknown times, family has never been more key in our lives. The opportunity to establish Sale Sharks Women will complete our family unit and help us play our part in reinforcing the importance of sport for all, be it as a participant or spectator or supporter.

“We look forward to building our women’s team and seeing the resumption of play across all facets of rugby union.”

Lamon has landed the Sharks’ women’s role after working with the club’s Community Trust and Academy, where he has been the rugby development manager and academy coach development officer since 2018.

He said: “I’ve been involved with rugby for a long time and have been involved with Sale Sharks in various roles.

“This is a terrifically challenging role, and one that I can’t wait to get stuck into the nature of the position, overseeing all aspects of women’s rugby.

“It has been an ambition of the club for a while now to get a women’s team up and running and full credit the owners for making this happen.

“We see this as a fantastic opportunity to promote the women’s game and accelerate the development of all female players in the North West.

“We hope to welcome as many female rugby players and fans to the AJ Bell Stadium next season.”

There will be a host of positions available within the new women’s team, and if you are interested in playing, coaching, administration or volunteering, contact darren.lamon@salesharks.com