Hodgson has played for the Sharks since 2000

Charlie Hodgson has been backed to keep piling on the points after he surpassed Jonny Wilkinson as the highest scoring player in Guinness Premiership history.

The fly-half kicked six penalties and a conversion in Sale's 32-25 defeat by Newcastle and the 20 points take him past Wilkinson's haul of 1,489.

Sharks director of rugby Kingsley Jones said: "When you think of the players he has passed, it is a great achievement.

"Charlie is only 28 years old and who knows where that will end."

Wilkinson, who plays for Newcastle, is currently sidelined after dislocating his knee against Gloucester in late September, although it is hoped that he could return before the end of the season in April.

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