Tigers overcame Ulster Rugby 33-24 in a thrilling Challenge Cup semi-final last week but returned to domestic action yesterday (Friday) with a tough trip to Sale’s AJ Bell Stadium.

A strong first-half performance saw Sale go into the break 16-3 up – AJ MacGinty slotted an early penalty before Byron McGuigan crossed after 11 minutes.

MacGinty nudged over the conversion before adding another penalty on 19 minutes, with Leicester’s Zack Henry replying from the tee 15 minutes later for the visitors’ only first-half points.

While Leicester’s discipline improved in the second half, Sale would go on to receive two yellow cards as the hosts came under significant pressure.

MacGinty had extended Sale’s lead with a penalty four minutes after the restart, but a series of Leicester phases culminated in a yellow card for Jean-Luc du Preez.

Leicester continued to push, and their hopes of a comeback received a boost when they were awarded a penalty try on 54 minutes, with Sharks’ Luke James sin-binned for a deliberate knock on.

But Sale were resolute and survived their period of numerical disadvantage, with Marland Yarde’s try on 68 minutes, converted by MacGinty, sealing the hosts’ deserved victory.

The result leaves Leicester eighth in the Gallagher Premiership, with further domestic games set to be played next weekend before their Challenge Cup final against Montpellier in just under a fortnight’s time.

Watch Leicester Tigers v Montpellier on Friday 21 May at 20:00 (UK and Irish time), live on BT Sport.

Leicester Tigers, who will face Montpellier in the European Rugby Challenge Cup final at Twickenham on May 21, were soundly beaten 26-10 by Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership on Friday night.