Monday 25 July 2016 11:08, UK
Josh Beaumont has signed a new three-year contract with Sale Sharks and will also be club captain for the coming season.
The No 8 will take over the armband from Dan Braid who has retired to take up a position with the Sharks coaching staff.
Beaumont, son of former England captain Bill, has scored eight tries in 45 games since his debut for the club in the Heineken Cup in 2013.
The 24-year-old was called into the England Elite Squad for the first time ahead of the Six Nations campaign but did not make an appearance after sustaining a shoulder injury in Sale's 31-23 defeat to Worcester on February 20.
"Securing the signature of Josh on a three-year deal is a big statement of intent for the club," said Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond.
"Josh has come through the system here at Sale Sharks, and is also a member of the England squad. He was ready for his full England debut before his injury at Worcester.
"He has worked so hard on his rehabilitation and it won't be long now before he leads the team out. Josh, as everyone knows, comes from a rugby family and is a born leader."
Speaking about his new contract and appointment as skipper Beaumont said: "With the takeover over the club being completed and the vision the new owners have I was delighted to sign and commit my future to the club."
"I am from the north west and want to help Sale Sharks reach its full potential and be one of the leading clubs in the Premiership. Dimes making me skipper is a proud moment too and I look forward to captaining the side this season."
