Fraser McKenzie to start Sale career against old club Edinburgh

FRASER McKenzie is set to make his debut for Sale Sharks against his former Edinburgh team-mates, it was revealed last night.

Sharks will warm up for their new English Premiership campaign by taking on both Scottish pro teams on home turf - Edinburgh on 19 August and Glasgow a week later.

Edgeley Park supremo Steve Diamond said: "Edinburgh and the Warriors will provide exactly the kind of tough opposition we want at that stage.

"Both teams are seasoned European campaigners and will provide stern tests."

McKenzie said: "I had heard that Sale were showing interest in me before the turn of the year and I had worked with forwards coach Stevie Scott when I was a member of the Scotland Academy. I'm going there with the aim of improving my game in a competitive environment, as part of the big pack that Steve is assembling."

Glasgow breakaway forward Riche Vernon is also on his way to Sale.

However, World Cup commitments with Scotland will prevent him being involved in live action until two months into the new season.