ENGLAND fly-half Charlie Hodgson has committed himself to Sale Sharks for life by penning a deal which will keep him at the club until 2011.

The 26-year-old Yorkshireman rejected a number of lucrative deals to stay at the club where he started out and expressed his determination to win more silverware with the reigning English champions.

And in a remarkable triple swoop, Sale have also secured the signatures of director of rugby Philippe Saint Andre and head coach Kingsley Jones until 2010.

Saint Andre was tipped as the next coach of the French national team and Welshman Jones is emerging as one of the best coaches from the Principality and it will not be long before they come knocking at his door.

Between them they led Sharks to glory at Twickenham in May when Sale were crowned champions.

Delighted

Hodgson, who was being targeted by Leicester Tigers, said: "Sale Sharks is the only professional club I have played for and I am delighted to have signed up for a long term contract.

"I could have moved elsewhere for more money, but money is not my motivation, I am happy in the North West and am looking forward to helping Sale Sharks win more silverware in the years to come."

Hodgson has been instrumental in Sale's rise up the rankings and has been a first team regular since breaking through from the Jets and making his debut against Auch in 2000.

Announcing the deal, chairman Niels de Vos said: "I would like to put on record the club's appreciation of Charlie's loyalty to Sale Sharks despite the offer of far more lucrative contracts elsewhere, both here and in France.

"In these times of inflated contracts and agents agitating for player moves it is refreshing to deal with a genuine superstar who wants to stay loyal to the club that gave him his first chance.

"The fact that he has pledged his future to Sale Sharks, and for such a long contract covering the years when he will be at the very peak of his game, illustrates his belief that the club can sustain its ability to challenge for honours both domestically and in Europe."

Saint Andre said: " I am delighted to have signed a long term contract with Sale Sharks. My family and I are very settled in the North West and Sale Sharks is a great club to work for.

"Everyone employed at the club, both on an off the field work so hard and it s a pleasure to come to work every day."

Jones added: "I joined the club during the summer of 2004 and was immediately impressed by the club's vision for success.

"The club enjoyed the win at Twickenham in May and hopefully there will be more big days and trophy successes for the club and the supporters."

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