England and British and Irish Lions hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has signed a new one-year contract to stay at Sale Sharks.
The 30-year-old, who played 165 times for Exeter Chiefs and scored 41 tries after coming through the club’s academy, joined Sharks on an initial one-year deal ahead of the current season.
After recovering from a shoulder injury he has played ten games for the club and forced his way back into Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad for the recent Guinness Six Nations.
Luke said: “I’ve absolutely loved it here. The plan was always to try and stay longer if I could and I’m so happy that it’s all sorted.
“I feel I owe the club because they took a shot on me, and then looked after me when I was injured. I don’t feel like I’ve performed as well as I can yet in a Sale shirt so I’m determined to show everyone what I can do.
“The lads are fantastic. I’d been at Exeter for such a long time, and moving to a new club and a new city was a worry. I didn’t think I’d fit in as well somewhere new, but I feel like I’ve had a new lease of life. Training weeks are great and I’ve loved it.
“Obviously we’re not where we want to be this season, but we’ve got some big games coming up and the boys have been working really well in training. Every team goes through difficult periods and hopefully we can put some wins together because we’ve got a class squad.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Luke is a unique character and an exceptional player.
“His boundless energy is matched only by his frenzied commitment to his craft and his mates, so much so, it feels like he has been part of the team for far longer than he has.
“I know I speak for the whole of the organisation in saying how rewarding and enjoyable it is to work with Luke, for what he brings, how much he gives and how relentlessly positive he is.
“Signing Luke for another season is a sign that the club not only has the pull to retain up and coming internationals but also well-established seasoned ones to boot.
“That is not to say Luke is showing any signs of slowing down in his strive to continuously improve. Mark my words the best of Luke Cowan Dickie is yet to come.”
