THE floods were followed by a shark infestation after a pub full of rugby fans were treated to a surprise visit at the weekend.

With the Faithful City drying out nicely, the Mount Pleasant Inn was swimming with players from Sale Sharks on Saturday when former Worcester Warriors centre Sam Tuitupou called in on his old local after the Manchester team recorded a 12-24 victory at the Sixways Stadium.

The team bus carrying the New Zealand international, who made 39 appearances for the Warriors between 2007 and 2010, and 34 other teammates and officials pulled up at the London Road watering hole in time for the second half of England's 13-10 Six Nations win over Ireland.

Manager Rob Turner said the specialist rugby pub was no stranger to seeing players from the home side popping in for pint but the appearance of away stars like Danny Cipriani and Mark Cueto was a real boost for the locals who snapped up the chance for photos and autographs.

"They were absolutely charming and took time out to take pictures and sign autographs. It isn't every day you get someone come up to the bar and ask for 35 lagers."

Mr Turner added: "It was a boost for the locals - something nice for them to have."