Sale Sharks announce Will Addison as captain for upcoming season

Sale Sharks have confirmed Will Addison as the captain of the Aviva Premiership club for the upcoming season.

The former England Under 20 started his professional rugby debut with the AJ Bell Stadium outfit in 2010 and has racked up 97 appearances in which he has scored 149 points.

The 24-year-old suffered a setback when he sustained a foot injury against Saracens in February that kept him out of the remainder of the season. He also has prior experience of captaining the side in the absence of Josh Beaumont.

Sale Sharks rugby director Steve Diamond is confident that Addison has all the potential of representing England in future.

"Will has continued to impress me with his natural leadership ability and commitment to the club.

"He is a great communicator and very well respected by everyone at the Sharks. If his form continues to improve I have no doubt he will soon be on the England radar."

Meanwhile, Addison is looking forward to the challenge as they look to improve from the previous season where they managed a finish at 10th place.

"When Simon (Orange), Ged (Mason) and Dimes approached me about being captain, I accepted immediately. It is a huge honour to captain the club I have grown up at as a professional.

"I am excited by the challenge and looking forward to leading out the boys."