Sheridan signs new deal with Sale

England World Cup prop Andrew Sheridan has signed a new long-term deal with Sale Sharks.

Sheridan, England’s most destructive player during their recent World Cup campaign, has agreed a three-year contract at Edgeley Park – with an option for a fourth year.

Sheridan’s mighty scrummaging performances in France enhanced his reputation as arguably world rugby’s finest prop.

He said: “I am very happy at the club and living in the north-west.

“We have a great bunch of players at the club, and I have a lot of respect for (rugby director) Philippe Saint-Andre and (coach) Kingsley Jones.

“It was flattering to know that other clubs wanted to talk to me – but I didn’t want to move anywhere else.”

Sheridan’s wrecking job on the hapless Australian front row in Marseille underpinned England’s World Cup quarter-final victory over the Wallabies.

At 28, he will be a cornerstone of the England side leading to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Saint-Andre said: “We are keen to develop our own youngsters at the club – but we are also determined to keep hold of our world-class players like Andrew.”

Sheridan joined Sale from Bristol in 2003, having been initially converted from a lock to prop while playing for the west country club.