James Gaskell quickly established himself in the Sale Sharks first-team squad after being picked from the Sharks academy. An injury crisis at the club led to him making his debut against Worcester in November 2008.

The flanker, who also plays at lock, was named as Sale's breakthrough player of the 2009-10 season, and his rapid rise continued as he was confirmed as Sale captain by new coach Mike Brewer at the beginning of the following season having played just 14 Premiership matches.

But he suffered a severe setback in October 2010 when he damaged his ankle ligaments. When he returned to action in the New Year, Mark Cueto had assumed the captaincy and Pete Anglesea had taken over from the sacked Brewer. Gaskell nevertheless remained an important part of the landscape at Sale, under new boss Steve Diamond, and continued to press for international honours with a spot in the England Saxons squad.