As a consequence of the close relationship between Fylde & Sale Sharks, one of the Sharks' brightest prospects, Nathan Fowles, will be spending the 2012/13 season at the Woodlands. The 19 year old scrum-half came through Rochdale RFC's junior teams, progressing to the Sharks Academy, North of England U'18s and England Colleges whilst at Myerscough College.

He has made a number of appearances for Sale Jets and spent the full 2011/12 season at Preston Grasshoppers where he did so well that he was included in The Rugby Paper's National Two North 'Team of the Year'. His progress was rapid and he made his Sale Sharks 1^st team debut in the Amlin Challenge Cup against Club de Rugby La Vila in Villajoyosa in Spain in January 2012. He also was part of the 2012 Lancashire County senior squad.

Fylde Head Coach Mark Nelson said: “Nathan is a tremendous prospect, one of the best in the North West, and has lightening pace around the field. I'm delighted that the Sharks have agreed to place him with us so that we can contribute to his development. His season at 'Hoppers was very important and now its time for him to step up to National One level. I hope and believe that we can help him advance his career towards becoming a Premiership player in due course. Playing alongside such experienced half-back partners as Richard Kenyon, Chris Johnson & Martin Wallwork will be a very positive learning opportunity for him.”

Nathan Fowles is currently on a three month sabbatical in South Africa playing for Border Bulldogs in the U'21 Currie Cup. He will return to Lancashire in August. He made 19 league appearances for Preston Grasshoppers in 2011/12 during which he scored 10 tries and kicked 32 conversions and 4 penalties, a total of 126 points.

[Photo above courtesy of Sale Sharks. Below, courtesy of Andrew Thallon.]