Hodgson set for Vicarage Road

Saracens are thought to be favourites to win the race to sign Charlie Hodgson after the fly-half confirmed yesterday that he will be leaving Sale after 11 campaigns with the Sharks.

Hodgson, an England international and Lions tourist, has told the club he wanted to leave. "Irrespective of what has happened this season at the club I wanted a new challenge elsewhere," Hodgson said in a statement released by Sale. "I am not getting any younger and wouldn't want to hang up my boots wondering whether I should have moved."

Hodgson has scored a Premiership record 1,753 points since joining Sale from Durham University. The club's chief executive Mick Hogan said: "Naturally we are disappointed that Charlie has told us that he will be leaving the club but would like to thank him for all his efforts."