Premiership
Baxter backs Nowell to bounce back
By Mark Stevens
19/1/23
Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, is confident Jack Nowell has what it takes to force his way back into the selection plans of New England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Cornishman Nowell, along with Billy Vunipola and Jonny May, were surprise omissions from Borthwick’s 36-strong squad named earlier this week ahead of the upcoming Guinness Six Nations Championship.
The 29-year-old has won 45 caps for his country, the latest of which came in the Autumn in the defeat to reigning world champions South Africa at Twickenham.
Asked by the media this week about Nowell’s exclusion, Baxter came out in support of the experienced back.
“I can quite easily see him demanding his way back into the squad with the quality of his performances,” said Baxter. “The key for us, just as we always talked about when these guys were wanting to first play for England, the key for us as coaches is we create a platform for these guys to have that opportunity to play well and win big games and be part of big squads.
“That’s part of the process when you want someone to win their first cap, and that’s part of the process now when we want to help get Jack back into England recognition – it’s the same process, it just feels like different ends of the spectrum.”
Nowell, who won two caps for the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2017, helped England win a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2015 and another title 12 months later. He has also been part of the England squad at the last two World Cups and helped the Chiefs reach six Premiership finals – winning domestic titles in 2017 and 2020, as well as the 2020 European Champions Cup.
The fact the talented back will not be with England does present Exeter fans with the chance to see more of Nowell, who is out of contract with the Chiefs at the end of the current campaign.
“If someone said to me I could have Jack Nowell available for every game I’d bite their hand off,” added Baxter. “He’s been a great player for us, he’s a senior player who takes his role and how the players act, how the squad behaves, how we train, very seriously.
“In a lot of ways he’s one of our key men to have here in and around the club, so on the one hand I’m absolutely delighted he’s here, but on the other hand I do feel for him because he wants to play for England, so it’s a double-edged sword really.”
Content & Images from – Exeter Chiefs Rugby
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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