Sale Sharks consider playing a game at a major stadium

Kennedy (right) took charge of Sale Sharks in 2003

Sale owner Brian Kennedy says they may copy Harlequins' Boxing Day success in playing at Twickenham by moving a home game to a big ground in the North West.

Quins and Saracens, who have played at Wembley, have had good attendances when moving to other venues.

"We are in discussions with major stadia about the possibility of hosting a big game in the North West," he said in an open letter to fans.

"We don't have the option available to London rivals like Twickenham."

The playing surface in Stockport, a ground Sale share with football club Stockport County, has often been at the centre of controversy, notably last November.

The club hit the headlines when Wasps refused to play at Edgeley Park despite the match referee deeming the pitch playable.

Kennedy referred to the subject elsewhere in the letter which read: "We are currently working diligently on various plans to give Sale Sharks much better stadium facilities.

"As you can imagine, this is a major undertaking and will take considerable time, effort and financial investment to achieve.

"I can say no more about our plans, other than to confirm we will be playing our home matches at Edgeley Park next season.

"We need to continue our work towards developing a stadium worthy of the North West region."