SALE Sharks have been rewarded for a gruelling six weeks of intensive training with a welcome break.

Sharks returned for training on June 11 after a disappointing season which saw them finish in 10th place and without silverware.

Since then they have been concentrating on fitness and conditioning and next week they will return for a final push to get ready for the new Premiership campaign.

Head coach Kingsley Jones said: "With finishing last season early we were able to bring most of the squad back in on June 11 and the players have worked really hard.

"We have been able to give them a break this week but we will be increasing the training and conditioning from Monday.

"We will be doing more rugby sessions next week and Jos Baxendell, our newly- appointed skills coach, will be heavily involved in this part of the preparation."

With all their injured players back to full fitness, Sharks will be looking to make up for last season's disappointment.

Kingsley added: "We have on paper one of the best squads in the Premiership and we have told the players who are not involved in the World Cup that they are not just filling gaps during this period.

"They are playing for their places and if they play well during the World Cup, it will mean those returning will have to fight for their places.

"We are not going through the motions during the World Cup, we are aiming to win as many games as possible.

"Hopefully if all goes well, Philippe and I will have a massive job on our hands deciding who to leave out."

But while Sale look a good bet for a top four finish this season, they are up against some fierce opposition.

Kingsley said: "I expect the usual suspects. Leicester Tigers, Wasps and Gloucester to be at the top of the table but keep an eye out for Worcester.

"They have a new coaching team in place and have signed some good players.

"We are in a fortunate situation in that the bulk of our squad are on long term contracts and the addition of Luke McAlister this week was a crucial signing for us to make." Tweet