Braid Out for the Season

Sale Sharks captain Dan Braid will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The former All Black flanker has undergone a minor knee operation and as a result will miss the Sharks’ final two games of the regular season, against Leicester Tigers and London Irish.

The 33-year-old former Auckland Blues loose-forward has been side-lined since Sale's home victory over Northampton Saints on March 22. The pack leader has scored seven tries in 23 outings this season.

Sale rugby director Steve Diamond hailed his skipper's influence at the North West club this term, with the Sharks having secured a place in next season’s European Rugby Champions Cup.

"His leadership is second to none. He's been fantastic for the club," said director of rugby Steve Diamond.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "He puts his body on the line time and time again."

Led by 33-year-old Braid, the Sharks have enjoyed an excellent season and are guaranteed to finish in the top six.

Diamond's side are sixth, but lie eight points behind fourth-placed Leicester and their chances of reaching the play-offs appear remote.