James was in attendance for Sale’s semi-final win over Wasps in 2006 and watched Jason Robinson and co-secure the club’s maiden crown with family members at his grassroots club, Manchester RUFC.
The 29-year-old centre says watching them be crowned champions of England inspired him to take up the sport.
“I remember when I was 12-13 ball boying at Sale games looking up at players that won the Premiership and at the time wanting to be there one day,” James told The Rugby Paper. “It was an incredible achievement and a great day to celebrate that made me want to become a rugby player.”
The Sale marketing department have made a big effort in their ‘Northern Rugby Matters’ campaign and with homegrown players flourishing at the Premiership finalists, the Sharks are scrapping hard for their share in a crowded sporting market.
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