 Also in the top division of their sports are Sale Sharks , who play rugby union . From 2009 , Manchester Phoenix , who play home games at the Altrincham Ice Dome , are members of the English Premier Ice Hockey League . The club was formed in 2003 as the successor to Manchester Storm and was one of the founder members of the Elite Ice Hockey League . In 2008 – 09 they finished sixth in the Elite Ice Hockey League . The Trafford Metros are the Phoenix 's junior side and are also based at the Altrincham Ice Dome . Rugby Union side Sale Sharks were formerly based in Trafford and although they now play at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford , they retain their name from when they were based at Heywood Road in Sale ; their former home @-@ ground Road is still used as the team 's training ground . Sale Sharks won the Guinness Premiership in 2006 ; in 2008 – 09 they finished fifth . 
