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• Oriol Ripol

Just a day after Epi Taione's sudden decision to quit Sale Sharks, fellow wideman Oriol Ripol has signed a new contract with the Stockport club.

Ripol, who has made 12 appearances for the Sharks this season, has agreed a new two-year deal to keep him at Edgeley Park until 2008.

The Spanish winger's renewed commitment arrives after recent interest from French Top 14 side Perpignan, and director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre admitted he was happy to end speculation about the winger's future.

"Oriol has made a big impact since joining us midway through last season and I am thrilled that I have been able to persuade him to stay with us for another two years," said the Frenchman.

"He is a clinical finisher capable of performing at the very highest level who will score plenty of tries for us in the coming seasons.

"My task in these past few weeks has been to retain the services of all my players approaching the end of their contracts.

"We have an excellent squad and a superb team spirit, with genuine competition for places from 1 to 15, and Oriol is the latest to commit himself to us."