Sale Sharks captain Jono Ross to retire at end of season

Sale Sharks captain Jono Ross has announced that he will be retiring from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season.

The club has agreed to release Ross early from his contract as he will be moving to South Africa to be with his family.

With the club qualifying for the play-offs, they will be hoping to send a perfect send-off for Ross with a chance to win their first Premiership title since 2005/06.

Born in Sandton, the 32-year-old started his career in South Africa with Bulls and also has the experience playing for Saracens and Stade Francais before moving to Sale Sharks in 2017 making over 150 appearances for the club.

He was handed the club captaincy in 2018 and held the role for five seasons.

“Since joining the club in 2017, Sale and Manchester have really become a home away from home for my family and I. We have absolutely loved our time at the club and living in Manchester. Both our children will have been born here so it will forever have a special place in our hearts," he told the club's official website.

“I would like to thank Simon, Michelle, Ged and Sid for their support over the years as well as the coaches at the club for putting up with me and giving me the opportunity to play the game I love in a great environment. To all of the backroom staff, physios, strength and conditioning coaches, kit men, chefs and everyone else, a huge thank you for the time and effort you’ve put into me.

“To the Sharks fans, thank you for the support over my six years here. You are all fantastic. Please keep behind the lads as you really do make a resounding difference on the pitch. It’s been a great ride and I will miss running out at the AJ Bell but at some point your body tells you when it’s time to stop, and for me that time is now.

“I am hugely excited for what’s to come next, but you can be sure I’ll be watching the boys continue to grow from afar. Hopefully in the sun with a beer in hand!”