Jones succeeded Philippe Saint-Andre as the Sharks' director of rugby

Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones has said he is looking to a new era for his side as he hopes to reap the rewards of a stronger squad.

Sharks go into the new season without big name stars such as Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Sebastien Chabal.

Jones told BBC Radio Manchester: "If there's a positive in high-profile players leaving it is we won't be hit so hard in the international period.

"We've been able to build a squad with more depth and more players."

Jones added: "It's a new time for us. It's a new squad and we're happy with that.

In a tournament where you don't get a break until the middle of March at the earliest, you need a lot of good quality players and a big squad Kingsley Jones

"I do believe there is a little bit of a feeling of 'hang on, what have they got left?' when actually we do have a strong squad.

"In a tournament where you don't get a break until the middle of March at the earliest, you need a lot of good quality players and a big squad."

Jones also confirmed new signings Ben Cohen and Fijian Sisaro Kayamaibole will make their home debuts in the friendly against Exeter on Friday.

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