Sale Sharks head to Kingston Park on Saturday night knowing victory could all but secure their return to European rugby next season.
While a playoff place is no longer realistic, the Sharks remain firmly in the hunt for Investec Champions Cup qualification and could lock up their position this weekend if results elsewhere fall their way.
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The visitors arrive in mixed form, having won just one of their last eight Gallagher PREM Rugby matches, but they still control their own destiny in the race for a top-eight finish.
Alex Sanderson has made four changes to his starting lineup, handing first PREM starts to Reuben Logan and Seb Kelly while recalling Gus Warr and Arron Reed to the backline.
Newcastle Red Bulls have only pride to play for in the closing weeks of the campaign, but they will relish the opportunity to disrupt one of their northern rivals.
The hosts make six changes to their side, including the return of experienced prop Richard Palframan and the return of captain George McGuigan, who continues to be one of the league’s most influential set-piece operators.
TWO ROUNDS LEFT.
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) May 27, 2026
The @premrugby playoff race is down to the wire. Exeter (55), Saracens (52), and Bristol (50) are fighting for ONE final spot.
Add in massive derbies, Saracens v Quins & Bristol v Bath and someone's season ends this weekend. ⚔️
Who makes the top 4? 👇 #prem pic.twitter.com/NOsYpmSpbm
Newcastle’s scrum remains among the strongest in the PREM, ranking second in scrums won and third in success rate. Simón Benítez Cruz has also enjoyed a standout campaign, leading the league in interceptions.
Sale counter with one of the competition’s most physical packs, led by Ernst van Rhyn and Ben Bamber, who rank among the league leaders in dominant contacts, tackles and ruck involvements.
Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Sale Sharks Kickoff Time
Newcastle Red Bulls host Sale Sharks at 2:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, with Christophe Ridley appointed as referee. The match is part of the Gallagher PREM Rugby schedule.
How To Watch Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Sale Sharks
The match will be broadcast live on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States.
Newcastle Red Bulls Lineup vs. Sale Sharks
- Ethan Grayson
- Christian Wade
- Alex Hearle
- Sammy Arnold
- Harrison Obatoyinbo
- Brett Connon
- Simón Benítez Cruz
- Connor Hancock
- George McGuigan (c)
- Richard Palframan
- Jamie Hodgson
- Adam Scott
- Ollie Leatherbarrow
- Tom Christie
- Amanaki Mafi
Replacements:
- Ollie Fletcher
- Jamie Clark
- Murray McCallum
- Tim Cardall
- Freddie Lockwood
- James Elliott
- Ben Healy
- Cameron Hutchison
Sale Sharks Lineup vs. Newcastle Red Bulls
- Joe Carpenter
- Tom Roebuck
- Luke James
- Rekeiti Ma’asi-White
- Arron Reed
- George Ford
- Gus Warr
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour
- Alfie Longstaff
- James Harper
- Ernst van Rhyn (c)
- Ben Bamber
- Sam Dugdale
- Seb Kelly
- Reuben Logan
Replacements:
- Wills Austin
- Ralph McEachran
- Patreece Bell
- Hyron Andrews
- Tristan Woodman
- Raffi Quirke
- Ollie Davies
- Tom O’Flaherty
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