Sale Sharks make Leigh Sports Village contingency plan
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Sale Sharks have reached an agreement to use Leigh Sports Village should the weather call off any European fixtures.
Last season the Sharks were forced to move the match against Brive to Galashiels in the Scottish Borders to avoid the bad weather further south.
European Rugby Club rules state games must be played on scheduled weekends.
"Should we be faced with a similar scenario this year we will, as a last resort, switch the game to Leigh," CEO Mick Hogan told the club website.
The ground is home to Northern Rail Cup winners Leigh Centurions, and will be home to fellow Championship side Swinton Lions following their promotion next season.
It recently hosted England's opening Four Nations game against Wales and is seen as ideal comprise for Sale due to its location.
"Should we have to switch any of the games this year, it would only be done after making every effort to play the game at Edgeley Park," Hogan added.
"However, like last season, the weather is sometimes so bad that our pitch protection system cannot guarantee the game goes ahead.
"The postponement of the Brive game last year cost the club £10,000s. Furthermore, the decision by ERC to play the game at Galashiels ruled out 99% of our fans from attending.
"However with the fantastic facilities and undersoil heating at Leigh we would at least ensure the game could be played in the north west and a good proportion of our supporters can attend."
