Premiership
Bath confirm Taulupe Faletau departure
Bath Rugby can today confirm that Taulupe Faletau will be leaving the club at the end of the current season for an unnamed Welsh side.
The No.8 has his sights set on the 2023 World Cup and will return to the Welsh region in order to put himself in the best possible position to perform for his country.
Throughout his five-year tenure, Faletau has appeared 64 times for the Blue, Black and Whites and become a household name on the international stage.
“It continues to be a privilege to work with Taulupe; he is a world-class No.8 who makes a significant impact on the field, said Stuart Hooper, Director of Rugby.
“When all are fit and well, we have a robust back row and fierce competition across all three positions. As we develop our squad for 2022 a crucial factor is the availability of our players throughout the season. Having a squad that can compete during the international calendar is becoming fundamental as the quality of competition in the Premiership increases.
“Taulupe leaves with our blessing, and we all wish him well for his future. We will, of course, give him a brilliant send-off when the time comes; until then, our focus remains resolute on delivering a campaign we can all be proud of.”
The three-time British and Irish Lion capped 86 times by Wales had this to say; “I will leave Bath at the end of the season with fond memories, both professionally and personally, plus two Bath born sons. Bath has been a brilliant club for me over the years and I owe it a lot.
“I feel lucky to have played with such a great group of boys and I know that Bath’s success is coming.
“I will miss the team and everyone at the club, but my heart is set on returning to Wales and hopefully continuing my international playing ambitions. It feels like the right time for me, and my family, to return home.
“To date, I’m disappointed to not have been able to personally contribute more but I am looking forward to giving it my all for the rest of the season in Blue, Black and White.
“To the fans who continue to support through the highs and lows – thank you.”
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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