England loose-head Bevan Rodd is ready to return to PREM action, with a clear message ahead of a fresh Sale campaign.
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“Last year wasn’t good enough, we know that as a group, the coaches know that, the owners know that, we let a lot of people down, we are using that as a lot of inspiration for this year.”
The 26-year-old is enjoying a full pre-season for the first time in several years, with international commitments and injury having disrupted his preparations in recent seasons.
“It’s nice to get a full pre-season, first time in probably four or five years,” Rodd said.
The prop has endured a torrid year with injury, undergoing three surgeries in the past 13 months. Despite that, he was still involved in England’s Six Nations campaign in February and March.
Last season was, by Sale’s high standards, a poor one with a seventh placed finish. Injuries did little to help the club’s progress, particularly in the front row, where the Sharks were forced to rely heavily on players under the age of 23.
Ralph McEachran and Asher Opoku-Fordjour packed down either side of Alfie Longstaff, while Tye Raymont, Patreece Bell and Nathan Jibulu provided options from the bench.
With Rodd sidelined, his role extended beyond his own recovery as he helped guide the youngsters through the demands of Premiership rugby.
“It is a lot of pressure, especially at that age, but they are all talented, but it is a big step,” Rodd said.
Despite the disappointment of 2025/26, spirits remain high at the club. Rodd is part of Sale’s social committee and has helped keep morale up following a warm-weather training camp in the Algarve, Portugal.
Alongside Longstaff and new signing Joe Marchant, Rodd organised a golf and padel day for the squad, while the players also headed to local football club Altrincham FC, where some of the Sale squad took part in a half-time penalty shootout.
“I’d be alright at penalties, and I am a bit gutted they have changed the penalty shootout in rugby,” Rodd joked.
There was one player, however, who Rodd would not trust from the spot. “Have you seen him pass?! He can barely pass; he can barely kick!”
The target of the joke was Tom Roebuck.
Competition is always healthy within a squad, and Sale’s recruitment under Michelle Orange has strengthened the group heading into the new season.
One of the biggest additions is Welsh international Nicky Smith, who has 63 caps for Wales and reached the Premiership final with Leicester in his debut season. Crucially for Rodd, Smith also plays at loosehead.
Rodd, who had largely established himself as Sale’s first-choice No.1, believes the competition will benefit the club.
“I think last year, me and Si [McIntyre] were injured at different points and Ralph is new to the Prem. I feel we have four valuable options there now, which will be good.”
Despite featuring in the Six Nations, Rodd missed out on the latest EPS contract list handed out by the RFU, with Ellis Genge, Fin Baxter and Emmanuel Iyogun preferred at loosehead.
It is a setback, but one Rodd appears determined to use as motivation. He knows that returning to the England squad will require him to stay fit and produce his best rugby consistently.
Sale have been the nearly men in recent years. The club have reached the play-offs four times in six seasons under Alex Sanderson and made the Premiership final in 2022/23, where Rodd scored.
The latest recruitment drive has added further experience, with proven Premiership winners Courtney Lawes, Joe Marchant and Alex Lozowski joining the club. Christ Tshuinza and Nicky Smith have also reached the final in the past two seasons.
For Rodd, their arrival has already made a difference.
“They’ve not only raised the standard at training, but also on-pitch things with the switch coming on.”
It could be a big season for Rodd personally, too. The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign, while places in England’s World Cup squad will be up for grabs with the tournament heading to Australia.
For Rodd, the equation is simple: stay fit, play well and give himself every chance of earning his place back in England colours.
