Premiership
Another Falcon Leaves the Nest
Newcastle Falcons have lost yet another player due to their relegation from the Premiership
Gloucester have confirmed the signing of Scotland and Newcastle Falcons centre Chris Harris for next season.
The eight-cap Scot activated a release clause in his contract following the Falcons relegation to the Championship and the Cherry and Whites have taken him on board.
Speaking ahead of his move Harris was thankful for everything that Newcastle have given him but admitted he wants to continue playing in the top tier of English rugby.
“It’s all happened very quickly to be honest. I’ve loved every minute of my time with the Falcons and will be forever grateful to them. However, I’m at the stage of my career where I need to be performing at the highest level of the club game,” he said.
He also talked about how excited he is to join his new club and to play their style of rugby.
“Watching from outside I’ve been so impressed with what Gloucester Rugby have done over the past couple of seasons and can’t wait to link up with my team-mates and start to contribute. They seem to have a great team culture and play some entertaining rugby. I’ve always enjoyed playing at Kingsholm so it promises to be an exciting new chapter,” he added.
With 77 appearances under his belt in the Premiership for the Falcons, Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys believes his experience can help the club.
“We’re delighted that Chris has agreed to join Gloucester Rugby and to add another international calibre player to the squad, one who also possesses significant Premiership experience. As is the case will all Premiership clubs, there are times when the squad is tested to the max due to injuries and international commitments, for example. Chris is a proven talent, a quality player and will add to our options in the backline,” he said.
Harris is the latest Falcon to depart the club after their drop to the Championship and they will need to use this summer wisely if they are to bounce straight back up.
Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu from French Top14 side Toulon.
The explosive centre, who starred for his country during the recent World Cup, has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year.
He will join up with Alex Sanderson’s Sharks squad ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season.
Waisea, 33, said: “I’ve watched the Premiership for a long time and it’s always been in the back of my mind that I would love to play there one day and experience rugby in England.
“Now that opportunity has arrived and I’m really, really happy and grateful. I’m so excited to get over there and join the boys and see how I can contribute to the team.
“I have spoken to Telusa Veainu and he only has positive things to say about the club and about Manchester.
“I’m looking forward to playing with some of the guys I’ve played against, like Tom Curry and George Ford. But I also know there are a lot of really talented young players in the Sale Sharks squad and I’m excited to share my experience and help them develop as much as I can.
“I told Alex that it’s what I’ve been doing for the last few years of my career and it’s something I’m passionate about.”
Nayacalevu, who stands at 6’4” and weighs in at 16st 7lb, spent ten years at Top14 side Stade Français before making the switch to Toulon in 2022.
He has won 34 caps for Fiji, slotting in at both centre and on the wing, and captained his country at last year’s World Cup, where the Pacific Islanders made the quarter-finals, losing 30-24 to England in Marseille.
He also famously scored for Fiji in their memorable pre-World Cup win against England at Twickenham.
Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby
Phil Brantingham to join Saracens
Prop-forward Phil Brantingham will leave Newcastle Falcons in the summer to join Saracens.
The 22-year-old has played 25 games for his home town club, and leaves with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at the Falcons.
Chairman of rugby Matt Thompson said: “Phil has done well for us and we made him a good offer to stay here.
“We respect his decision and wish him all the best for his move in the summer, but between now and then he will be fully committed to finishing the season strongly for Newcastle Falcons.”
Source – Newcastle Falcons Rugby
Sale Sharks can confirm that forward Cobus Wiese will leave the club at the end of the season to return to South Africa.
The 26-year-old lock has played almost 80 games for the club and scored five tries since joining from the DHL Stormers ahead of the 2020/21 season.
He played a key role last year as Sale reached the Premiership final, and this season he has featured a further 13 times for Alex Sanderson’s side.
Alex said: “Cobus will be missed by all of us on so many levels. He’s the most polite and courteous of people off the field, but the most wildly excitable man on the field, and on a night out.
“To say Cobus wears his heart on his sleeve is to do him a disservice with regards to his emotional commitment for which his body has paid the price on occasion.
“He leads by example and has earnt the respect and adoration of the group both on a professional and a personal level. We wish him every success and happiness with his move back home.”
Everyone at Sale Sharks would like to thank Cobus for his contribution to the club and the team during his time here and we wish him all the very best for the future.
Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby
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