Sale Sharks’ away shirt for the 2017/2018 season will feature the iconic worker bee in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack.
The Manchester-based rugby club kicks off their Aviva Premiership campaign this Friday away to last season’s beaten finalists Wasps.
The worker bee – which represents the industrial heritage of Manchester and was adopted into the city’s coat of arms in 1842 – will join the logos of corporate partners Together, Litmos, Morson and headline sponsor UKFast on the shirt.
Seashell Trust – a Manchester charity that provides a creative, happy and secure environment for children and young adults with complex and severe learning disabilities – will also feature on the away shirt between the shoulders throughout this season.
Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said the presence of the bee will bring an already tight knit squad closer together.
He said: “It’s now more than a year since two prominent Manchester businessmen Simon Orange and Ged Mason became the co-owners of Sale Sharks.
“Ever since Simon and Ged came in we have been working hard to improve all aspects of the club. This season, with a handful of world class signings secured over the summer and with the backing of our brilliant fans and corporate partners, we intend to make our mark in the Premiership.”
He added: “Ever since May’s devastating attack at Manchester Arena, people in this region have shown incredible unity and strength while also showing the world what a truly special place Manchester is. Having the iconic worker bee on our away shirt will only enhance the community spirit of our rugby club, whilst also expressing our intention to continue to help all of those affected by the tragic attack through the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
“Our players will wear the shirt with pride throughout the whole of the 2017/2018 season.”
Cllr Sue Murphy, chair of the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, said: “We are delighted Sale Sharks are showing their support for the Emergency Fund by including the iconic bee on their shirts and by fundraising for us.
“We continue to be unbelievably grateful for the solidarity shown to the people of Manchester and the victims of the attack. The money raised will make a real difference to the lives of those people.”
Dominic Tinner, Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Community Development at Seashell Trust said: “We are extremely pleased to feature on the Sale Sharks kit. It will only boost awareness of the important work Seashell Trust does in the community.”
