Fylde winger Nick Royle could make his debut for Premiership side Sale Sharks today.

The prolific winger has trained with the Sharks for a while as part of a link-up between the two clubs, but he received a dramatic late call this week to be on the Sale bench against Cardiff Blues in the EDF Energy Cup, at Edgeley Park.

Royle, who has scored 76 tries in 72 games for Fylde, will be temporarily de-registered by Fylde until his Sale commitments are complete.

He was expecting to line up for Fylde against Halifax in their Division Three North clash today, but will instead appear in front of thousands of spectators and will line-up alongside seasoned internationals such as Blackpool-born Richard Wigglesworth.

Mark Nelson, Fylde director of Rugby, said: "Nick has a wonderful opportunity to show his talents on the big stage.

“All of us at Fylde are very proud of him and the fact that we have a great relationship with a top Premiership club like Sale Sharks.

"It is very important that our system at Fylde can develop players that attract the attention of the elite club in our area and, hopefully, this will encourage aspirational players to come and join us to enhance their game and opportunities."