Connacht thumped by Sale Sharks in Challenge Cup

Chris Ashton boosted his England chances with a debut hat-trick as Sale thumped Connacht 34-13 in the Challenge Cup.

Sat, 20 Oct, 2018 - 18:58

Chris Ashton boosted his England chances with a debut hat-trick as Sale thumped Connacht 34-13 in the Challenge Cup.

The 31-year-old's Sale debut was delayed by a seven-week ban for a tip tackle picked up in pre-season. But, when he finally took to the field for the Sharks in Salford, he quickly made up for lost time.

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

NEWSLETTERS

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Former Wallabies and Ireland player Brian Smith dies aged 59

Maeve Óg O’Leary, Caitriona Finn and Ellen Boylan celebrate after the game 8/8/2026

Munster teammates' coaching transition 'unreal' says Maeve Óg O’Leary

Keith Earls backs 'voice of reason' Jared Payne to succeed at Munster

Courts Rugby Place: Salford Place: England Place: AJ Bell Stadium Person: Chris Ashton Person: Ashton Person: Eddie Jones Person: Shane Delahunt Person: Conor Fitzgerald Person: Josh Beaumont Event: Challenge Cup Organisation: Connacht Organisation: Sale Sharks Organisation: England Organisation: Sale Organisation: Sharks

<p>Pictured is Aer Lingus College Football Classic ambassador Ian Madigan ahead of this year's game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the UNC Tar Heels, taking place at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 29 August 2026. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile</p>

Ian Madigan: I can't see Ronan O'Gara wearing Leinster blue

READ NOW

Connacht thumped by Sale Sharks in Challenge Cup

Ian Madigan: I can't see Ronan O'Gara wearing Leinster blue

Sport

Latest

Sport

Donal Lenihan

Connacht thumped by Sale Sharks in Challenge Cup

Every Match. Every Story.

Ian Madigan: I can't see Ronan O'Gara wearing Leinster blue

Sport

Latest

Sport

Donal Lenihan

Most Read