The great rugby vs Christmas shopping debate

Friday 18 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
Guinness Premiership > Brumbies

Sale Sharks have taken an interesting approach to encouraging fans to turn up for this weekend's Heineken Cup game against Harlequins, which is taking on a festive theme.

With Christmas just one week away, this is obviously going to be a busy weekend for shopping, but the Sharks are trying to convince supporters that watching the match is a better option.

And as if they really needed much convincing, a countdown of reasons is being produced.

Coming in at number four is the fact that the likelihood of injury is much greater on the high street than in the stands, as Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents figures show the 12 days of Christmas see 80,000 people visiting A&E departments.

Those who do head to Edgeley Park will be joined by Santa, while fairground rides will be in place outside.

The countdown began nearly two weeks in advance and reasons cited so far include the fact that the match will pit Welsh international scrum-half Dwayne Peel against England's Danny Care.