Sam James to leave Sale Sharks at end of season

Sale Sharks have confirmed that homegrown centre Sam James will be leaving the Premiership club at the end of the ongoing season.

James made his professional debut at the age of 19 against Northampton Saints in 2013. The 29-year-old, who can play at full-back and fly-half has racked up 236 appearances for Sale scoring 194 points.

He went on to represented Sale in every minute of the 2018/19 season - the only player in the league to achieve the milestone.

He was called up to England squad by Eddie Jones during the 2017 tour of Argentina and represented them in the clash against Barbarians.

“I’ve grown up supporting this club and to even play one game was genuinely a dream come true. I’ll always be a Sale Sharks supporter and the decision to leave has been a really tough one for not just me, but my whole family," he told in a statement released by the club.

"But the time is right to take on a new challenge.

“It’s so tough to leave a brilliant group of lads behind. I’ve played with some amazing players but this group is as good as any. I’ve built up some amazing relationships and I know they’re friendships that will continue wherever we’re all playing.

“I’m leaving a club that’s really on the up and I’ve got no doubt that we’ll go on to win plenty of trophies in the next few years. I can’t wait to watch it all as a fan.

"The club has changed so much in the years I’ve been here and we’ve become a proper powerhouse. I’m so proud to have played a small part in that.”

Sale Sharks are positioned sixth in the Gallagher Premiership table with 10 wins from 16 matches.