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Bath start departs for new adventure in Japan

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Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Bath Rugby can confirm Josh Matavesi has left the club for a new challenge in Japan with Toyota Shokki Shuttles. 

The Fiji international expressed an interest in exploring the opportunity for the betterment of his young family and the club has allowed for the early release of his contract. 

An always smiling, infectiously positive character, Matavesi joined Bath in January 2020 has produced some dazzling moments in Blue, Black and White.

The 30-year-old debuted as a replacement in a 13-10 win over Leicester Tigers before making his full debut a week later in a narrow victory against Worcester Warriors. 

In total, he made 27 appearances, scoring 28 points and everyone at Bath Rugby wishes him the very best for the future.


Providing clarity around Matavesi’s departure, Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said: “The situation with Josh was very simple, he came to speak to me and he had been offered an opportunity to go elsewhere which was a very good one for him and his family at this time in his career. 

“He was in a position where he desperately wanted to take the opportunity and that’s not him saying he didn’t like it here or we didn’t want him here, but sometimes there are bigger reasons for people leaving.  

“I care for the guys very deeply and I obviously care for the club. The development of this squad, the capacity to compete has to come first and we have some fantastic players in that position in Max (Clark), Will (Butt) and Max (Ojomoh) who can play and excel.

“Josh goes with our blessing on to a fantastic opportunity for him and his family and we wish him all the best for the future.”


With regards to incomings at the Rec, Bath Rugby has the capacity to bring additional players into the squad for the 2021/22 season. 

The recruitment process is vigorous, and the players must be the right fit for the club as Hooper explains.

“For a number of reasons, it is challenging at the moment; there are a number of things going on in the game that means it’s not as straightforward as it has been previously to go and sign players, particularly from abroad. 

“We are working hard on it and there will be a couple of additions to this squad. They may not be here before the start of the season, but we have the capacity to bring in a couple more people before the season or during the first part of the season to help us and really boost the squad, not just for now but for longer term as well.

“I’ve always said this, and I’ll always continue to say this, we don’t want to bring in the wrong people. When you make contractual decisions, they are generally long decisions, and they have a big impact on the group.

“What we’re doing is cultivating a squad who can deliver week-in, week-out, over time and be a consistently winning team.”


Source – Bath Rugby


Premiership

SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU

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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


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Premiership

Falcons star to join Saracens

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Phil Brantingham to join Saracens

Tuesday 05 March 2024 Written by: Tom Grisedale

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


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Premiership

WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA

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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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