# Sale Sharks aim for Gallagher Premiership play-off return

> Sale Sharks target Gallagher Premiership play-off contention after last season's seventh-place finish.
- Title: Sale Sharks aim for Gallagher Premiership play-off return
- Summary: Sale Sharks target Gallagher Premiership play-off contention after last season's seventh-place finish. Sale Sharks aim to return to Gallagher Premiership…
- Keywords: sale sharks, gallagher premiership, 2026-27, play-off contention, courtney lawes, nicky smith, xavier roe, gallagher prem 2026-27 preview, rugby world, sports, Sale, Sharks
- Source: Rugby World — https://rugbyworld.com/tournaments/gallagher-premiership/gallagher-prem-2026-27-preview-sale-sharks-185679
- Published: 2026-09-24T14:49:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sale sharks, gallagher premiership, 2026-27, play-off contention, courtney lawes, nicky smith, xavier roe, gallagher prem 2026-27 preview, rugby world, sports
## Sale Sharks' 2025 season
Sale Sharks finished seventh in the Gallagher Premiership last season, their worst position in seven years.

> It’s been a year that I know we’ll be better for going forward
## Key changes for 2026-27
Sale Sharks made 15 departures and signed Courtney Lawes, Nicky Smith, Xavier Roe and others for the 2026-27 season.
## Alex Sanderson's view
Alex Sanderson called last season a 'year of transition' and believes the team will improve for the 2026-27 season.

> It’s been a year that I know we’ll be better for going forward
## Nicky Smith's role
Nicky Smith, with 66 Test caps, brings experience as a loosehead prop and is expected to be a key player for Sale Sharks.
## Xavier Roe's potential
Xavier Roe, a 27-year-old from the Chiefs, is expected to battle Gus Warr for the scrum-half position in 2026-27.
## 2026-27 prediction
Sale Sharks are predicted to finish fifth in the Gallagher Premiership for the 2026-27 season.
## Key takeaway

Sale Sharks aim to return to Gallagher Premiership play-off contention following a seventh-place finish and significant player changes for the 2026-27 season.