Wales prop Eifion-Lewis Roberts has rejected the chance to join Toulon or head to the Magners League by signing a new deal at Sale.
Wales prop rejects chance to move away
Wales prop Eifion-Lewis Roberts has rejected the chance to join Toulon or head to the Magners League by signing a new three-year deal at Sale.
The 21st front-rower has followed international team-mate Dwayne Peel in committing to the Sharks, despite interest from a number of sides.
And Roberts believes he owes Sale chief Kingsley Jones a debt of gratitude for giving him his chance as a professional.
"I'm delighted to have signed the new contract," Lewis-Roberts said.
"Kingsley helped to give me my chance in professional rugby so hopefully I've demonstrated a bit of loyalty in return by signing the new deal."
With so many sides interesting in Roberts - including the big-spending French outfit Toulon - Jones is delighted to have retained the powerful front-rower.
"It's great to see that Eifion is committed to the club, even though we have had a bad few weeks in terms of results," said Jones.
Loyalty
"There was a lot of competition for his services both from abroad and the Welsh regions and I know that his decision to stay with us has not been one that has been governed by money.
"He's shown some loyalty, both to me and the club, in the fact that we originally gave him an opportunity to make a living in professional rugby and everyone at the club is delighted that he's going to be staying with us.
"At 29, Eifion's at a good age for a prop and he gives us the added bonus of being able to play as both a tight-head and loose-head prop. And I also think looking to the future he's only going to get better and it's a major boost for us.
"I know that he's desperate to do well both for himself and for Sale Sharks. It's really good news and just what we needed at the moment to give everyone a lift."
