Sale Sharks and Manchester Met join forces to develop rugby talent and sport research

Elite and student rugby players will be supported at Manchester Met and Sale Sharks to provide pathways into the game and educational opportunities.  

The new partnership will also see the development of sport science research at Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport for the Premiership rugby union club. 

Sale Sharks will work with the University on education opportunities for players across its academy, men’s and women’s teams as well as linking up with the University’s rugby teams to provide elite level coaching and pathways for students into the professional game. 

As part of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Sharks and Manchester Met, University experts will explore research ideas, initially looking at the link between hormones and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries in women, which research has shown some sportswomen are two to eight times more likely to suffer than men. 

Professor Tim Cable, Director of Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, said: “Providing excellent education and delivering research with real-world impact is at the heart of everything we do at Manchester Met so it is fantastic to be able to see this realised through our partnership with Sale Sharks. 

“The signing of this MoU outlines how we will work together to develop and support elite sporting talent, while providing the expertise and facilities to grow rugby in the North West and shape the future of the sport in the region.” 

Paul Smith, CEO at Sale Sharks, added: “This is a great partnership for the club, aligning with Manchester Metropolitan University gives our men’s, women’s and academy players educational opportunities to develop themselves outside of rugby as well as access to some of the fantastic resources available at the institute.” 

The partnership will allow players at Sale Sharks to find out more about education opportunities at Manchester Met, including sports scholarships and distance-learning degrees that can be tailored around the demands of a professional sports career. 

The signing of this MoU outlines how we will work together to develop and support elite sporting talent, while providing the expertise and facilities to grow rugby in the North West and shape the future of the sport in the region.

Players and coaches will also be able to benefit from the world-class facilities at the University’s Institute of Sport, which includes specialist laboratories and cutting-edge equipment to explore issues in health, movement, and sporting performance.    

Sale Sharks Women’s players Alice Iwanejko and Polly Bowman are already benefitting from the new partnership after being selected for Manchester Metropolitan University’s Sports Scholars programme.   

Iwanejko and Bowman will have access to a range of support from Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport including nutrition, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning as well as financial support and contributions towards fees.   

Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport is a sporting and health hub in the heart of Manchester. It provides support and research for elite sporting organisations and the University’s student athletes. The centre also works with health organisations and communities to support wider healthy living and ageing. 

Founded in 1861, Sale Sharks is the oldest rugby union club in the Gallagher Premiership. In 2020 Sale Sharks Women’s team was formed and competes in the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby. With the support of co-owner Michelle Orange, Sharks aspire to champion the women’s game across the region.