Sam James signs new four year deal at Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks centre Sam James has signed a new four-year deal at the Aviva Premiership club.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2015-16 season with seven tries in 24 appearances and was part of the England Saxons side which won 2-0 in South Africa this summer.

"Sam is a fantastic young English player, who took his opportunity well last season," Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond told the official club website.

"In addition to the Premiership, Sam will be playing in the European Champions Cup against Scarlets, Toulon and holders Saracens this season, against some of the greatest players in the game.

"I have every confidence he will build on his first full season with us and am sure he will be pushing towards an England call up in the not too distant future."

James said: "I am delighted to have signed a long-term deal with the club.

"We are looking to build on last season's sixth-place finish in the Premiership and finish in the top four.

"The European Champions Cup will also be a great opportunity for us to show what we can do."

James' deal comes a day after forward Cameron Neild, who he shared the young player of the season award at the AJ Bell Stadium last term, also agreed a four-year Sharks contract.