Chabal Chooses to Stick With Sale

Sébastien Chabal became such a cult figure during the World Cup, even though he was used mainly as a replacement by France, that some leading French clubs offered him lucrative contracts anticipating significant commercial returns. But the No8 yesterday decided to remain with Sale, three years after arriving, citing the attention he would receive at home as one of the reasons for staying put.

Chabal was a key figure in Sale's Guinness Premiership-winning side two seasons ago and he joins the England prop Andrew Sheridan in signing a new deal with the Edgeley Park club who on Sunday entertain the side who took over from them as champions, Leicester.

"I have enjoyed my time in England and I am able to get on with playing rugby, which I enjoy," said the 30-year-old Chabal, who joined Sale from Bourgoin in 2004. "If I lived and played in France I think my wife would go crazy with all the supporter attention I receive there."

Chabal, whose trademark long hair and beard became the most common image in France during the World Cup as he frowned down from advertising hoardings, was the first signing of Sale's director of rugby, Philippe Saint-André, who said: "Sébastien had some big-money offers to go to France and I am delighted he has chosen to remain here. He has a big part to play in our future and as well as being a great player he is a fans' favourite."

Sale's chief executive, James Jennings, echoed Saint-André. "Sébastian is currently the best known and most popular sports personality in France but he has opted to commit his future to Sale Sharks for the next two years at least and we are delighted," he said.