Hodgson dismisses Tigers talk

England fly-half Charlie Hodgson has denied a Sunday newspaper report suggesting he is ready to quit Sale for a lucrative move to Leicester.

The Tigers are desperate to lure a world-class number 10 to Welford Road following the departure of Springbok Jaco van der Westhuyzen last month and have already failed to sign Wales’ Stephen Jones who snubbed Welford Road for Montferrand.

Outside-half was a problem area for Leicester until van der Westhuyzen’s arrival midway through last season and Hodgson, a starter for England in Saturday’s second Test against New Zealand, would prove an ideal replacement.

But the 23-year-old playmaker – second only to Jonny Wilkinson in England’s pecking order – has a year left on his current contract and insists he is happy to stay at Edgeley Park.

“The first I knew about the story was when a journalist asked me the question at the press conference ahead of Saturday’s second Test match,” said Hodgson.

“I am very happy at Sale Sharks and am looking forward to the new season. I have no intention of leaving the club.”

Hodgson is one of the most talented backs in the Zurich Premiership, matching a superb kicking game with excellent ball-skills, and has become a key member of the Sharks’ squad.

He was ruled out of the World Cup last year after sustaining knee ligament damage on club duty while a similar injury forced him to sit out this year’s RBS 6 Nations campaign.

But with Wilkinson recovering from shoulder surgery, Hodgson has now been given a run in the England side and featured in the 36-3 defeat by the All Blacks last Saturday, showing composure in difficult circumstances.

The Halifax-born fly-half scored a record 44 points in his full England debut against Romania in November 2001 and will pick up his 10th cap this weekend.