Sale Sharks have announced their youngest-ever captain in the shape of second row James Gaskell.
When Gaskell leads the side out on Friday evening against Newcastle Falcons aged 20 years, 106 days, he will become the youngest-ever captain of Sale Sharks.
Gaskell is a product of the Sale Sharks’ Academy season, having joined the club as a youngster from Sandbach, and has been tipped as a future England star. How he develops as a leader this season may well have a bearing on that career path.
Charlie Hodgson was favourite to be named as Club Captain, but the fly-half will provide useful support for Gaskell, along with other senior players like Andrew Sheridan and Mark Cueto.
Massive gamble. Very surprised to be honest…and I wonder how Hodgson, Cueto and Sheridan feel about it? Seems like a poke in the eye for the senior players, and a punt on the future by Mike Brewer.
Another sign that this season is going to be an unpredictable ride for the Sharks!
Just one full season under his belt and made captain? To some it might seem bold, to me it seems crazy.
Charlie Hodgson couldnt have seemed more downbeat at the Aviva Premiership launch which I’m taking as a massive hint that there’s trouble up there. Gaskell had a great season last year, remember him sprinting 40 yds to score against Quins to edge a valued home win. Good luck to him.