You are in > manchester.com  > News > Schofield takes over from Robinson

Rugby Union

Schofield takes over from Robinson

13/07/2007

Sale Sharks have announced that Dean Schofield will captain the side from the start of next season, taking over from Jason Robinson who has retired.

The 28-year-old has made over 100 appearances during his six-year Sale career and recently received his first England call-up from coach Brian Ashton as a reward for his excellent Guinness Premiership season.

Schofield travelled with the squad on the recent ill-fated tour of South Africa and is also part of the 46-man squad that is training in Portugal ahead of the rugby World Cup in France in September.

Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint Andre said he was pleased to appoint Schofield to take over from Robinson, who was one of the club's best-loved players.

"Dean is well respected by everyone at the club and I am sure he will be a good leader for my team," Saint Andre said.

"He is a tough player who never fails to give 100 per cent and is just what we need for the start of the new season."

Schofield himself said he was now looking forward to the new season and his first job as Sale captain would be to lead a resurgence of the 2006 Guinness Premiership champions, who only managed a tenth-place finish in 2007.

"I am delighted to be given this opportunity by Philippe," Schofield said.

"We need to get back to basics after our low league placing last season. We all need to have a workmanlike attitude on the field and work together to improve."

If Schofield is selected in the final 30-man World Cup squad, he will delay beginning his duties as the new Sharks captain until after England's attempt at defending the Webb-Ellis Trophy has finished.

© Adfero Ltd