SALE SHARKS Carl Fearns may not be an immediate replacement for Sebastien Chabal, who may return to France at the end of the season, but he is one of the reasons why head coach Kingsley Jones is convinced that the departure of the talismanic Frenchman will not spell disaster at the North West club.
A former pupil of St Mary’s College Crosby, Fearns learnt his rugby coming through the junior ranks at Waterloo under the eye of junior coach Paul Christopherson before moving to Sedbergh aged 15, from where he was picked up by the Sale scouts for their academy programme.
“He was always a rare talent and outstanding even as a 13-year-old, so much so that St Helens Rugby League Club were interested in him,” Christopherson said. “He did in fact train with Saints and played for their Academy side before he went to Sedbergh.”
It proved a shrewd move as the 19-year-old back-row forward has impressed since his move to Stockport and has been selected by England Sevens coach Ben Ryan or his 26-man training squad ahead of the IRB Sevens World Series starting in Dubai and South Africa and next year’s World Cup Sevens.
“Carl has huge potential and is one of a number of young players we have high hopes for,” Jones said. “We want young guys pushing through and trying to force their way into the first team.”
NEXT GAME: Sale Sharks v Worcester, Guinness Prem, Friday, November 14.
