Manchester United and City have notably built up squads containing sportsmen from abroad, but rugby union team Sale Sharks also have a special one of their own in Russian Ostrikov.

Sharks may have nothing but pride to play for as they face the return fixture away to Saracens in the European Rugby Champions Cup tomorrow, however flanker Andrei Ostrikov insists his side won’t roll over just because they are out of contention.

Despite winning three league games in a row going into Saturday’s match, Sale were unable carry their good form into Europe losing 19-15 courtesy of tries from Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola.

Cipriani produced a moment of magic in order the seal Sharks’ hat-trick of wins in the Aviva Premiership last weekend and tomorrow afternoon he has another chance to prove himself to England selectors after being omitted from the autumn internationals squad.

A win on Tyneside against Newcastrle on Sunday in round nine would move Sale closer to director of rugby Steve Diamond’s Christmas points target and strengthen their claim for a top six place.

Captain Dan Braid scored the only try of the match just over 10 minutes from time, after both sides traded penalties, to give Sale a 16-12 win at Twickenham Stoop.

Sale, without an away win all season, go into round eight looking to get back on track after throwing away leads in two of their last five matches in all competitions.

Both Sale and London Irish have endured poor starts to the campaign with only two wins each leaving them near the foot of the table separated by only a point.

England suffered a fifth straight defeat at the hands of world champions New Zealand on Saturday, going down 24-21 at Twickenham as once again the Red Rose fell just short against the world’s number one side.

Thomas, who has been capped seven times for England already, swapped Sale Sharks in the summer for a move to Bath and despite being frustrated at being the second cab off the rank for club and country this season, Justin Leonard insists he has made the right move.

Sharks have never won the Anglo-Welsh competition despite making two finals and this year’s campaign gives them the chance to blood some youngsters as well as give recovering players valuable match time, including Braid who returns after injury on day one