SALE Sharks have today announced that a total of eleven players who were out of contract at the end of this season have committed themselves to new contracts with the club.

The players are Jos Baxendell, Phil Davies, Chris Day, Mike Hercus, Magnus Lund, Chris Mayor, James Moores, Hugh Perrett, Johnny Roddam, Stuart Turner and Richard Wigglesworth.

Director of Rugby, Philippe Saint-Andre said " I am absolutely delighted that so many of the Sale Sharks squad have agreed to extend their contracts.

"I have always been of the view that the most important part of recruitment is retention and we now have the bulk of this year’s squad signed up for next season and beyond.

"Many of these players are youngsters who have come through the youth system at Sale Sharks and are now ready to make a real impact in the Zurich Premiership. They are the future of this club and our willingness to reward young talent with first team contracts will ensure we continue to be an attractive club for the best young talent.

"Alongside the youngsters it is tremendous to secure the services of Stuart Turner and Jos Baxendell.

"Stuart is one of the most consistent scrummagers in the Premiership and well deserved his England ‘A’ recognition. Jos Baxendell, in his Testimonial Year, has again demonstrated that he is one of the most gifted footballers at the club and next year he will again be central to our plans.

"A word too for our two recent imports, Mike Hercus arrived from Australia to step into the boots of the injured Charlie Hodgson and has fitted superbly into the Sharks style of play and we are delighted he has committed himself to Sale Sharks for a further two years.

"Likewise Hugh Perrett who has the potential to develop into an ideal replacement for Stuart Pinkerton on the openside.

"I have also been in long talks with Bryan Redpath and am confident that he too will be committing himself to the club for another two years, both as a player and as a specialist scrum half coach for our clutch of very promising youngsters in that position.

"It has been a hectic few weeks and the job is not yet over. There are other players we wish to retain and would hope to sign them up soon, and we also have some very exciting new talent keen to come to Sale Sharks who will compliment and improve our exciting squad."

Sale Sharks players all ready in contract: Peter Anglesea, Scott Benton, Graeme Bond, Mark Cueto, Steve Hanley, Charlie Hodgson, James Hoyle, Chris Jones, Jason Robinson, Dean Schofield, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Simpson-Daniel, Barry Stewart, Andy Titterrell and Jason White.