Jennings wants to kick on

Academy product Mark Jennings is hoping to kick on from what has been an important season for him for Sale Sharks.

Speaking after Saturday's win over Bath on the final day of the season, the 24-year-old revealed how happy is to have stayed in contention throughout the campaign.

"I've worked really hard to stay fit this year because I've been quite injury prone in the past few seasons," he said.

"This is the first season I've gone through without getting a big injury so hopefully that'll carry on next year."

Despite making his full league debut in 2012, Jennings has gone on to make just 22 starts in the Premiership to date following a number of injuries to his upper body.

He initially suffered a bicep injury on international duty with England under-20s in 2013, but prolonged problems left him fearing for his career, he previously revealed in an interview with BBC Sport.

"I just want to get a full season under my belt and play as many games as I can in the Premiership," said Jennings.

"I've only made 20 or so starts in the league and I've been here a good four or five years, so next year it's hopefully time for me to push forward."

The inside centre is one of a number of young Englishmen to have come through the ranks at Sale, and he feels positive about the way the club is heading.

"There is young talent all the way through this side and the club is producing players every year now," he explained.

"The Currys are on another level, they're out of this world. Sam James and Denny Solomona are also going away with England, while Mike Haley was unlucky to miss out."

Having been raised in nearby Lymm, Jennings highlighted the importance the crowd of his local team have played throughout the season, and left a message for them ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

"The direction of the club is really clear. Even though we're not in the Champions Cup, big players are being attracted and that is going to make us exciting to come and watch next year.

"The crowd give us that extra five per-cent, and at times this season that is all we've needed, so next year will be even better."