Premiership
Baxter expecting Sio to make quick impact
By Mark Stevens
5/10/22
Rob Baxter expects new Exeter Chiefs signing Scott Sio to be up to speed quickly after sealing his move to the Gallagher Premiership club.
The Australian international touched down at Sandy Park today following the recent culmination of the Rugby Championship, where he featured for the Wallabies in Tests against South Africa (twice) and New Zealand.
The Chiefs confirmed back in August that the 30-year-old would be heading to Devon after 11 seasons with the Brumbies. And Baxter believes it won’t be too long before his new addition is pressing his claims for a match-day role.
“If, by the end of this week, he’s getting over jetlag and he can do a full week’s training next week, then he’s going to be in and around the 23 pretty quickly,” Baxter said.
“It’s going to take us two or three days to get his training load correct and get him up and running. We’re not going to select him just to injure him, but he’s obviously a quality player – he was playing international rugby two or three weeks ago.
“We haven’t brought him here to sit on the sidelines for too long, but, at the same time, he’s going to have to show that he deserves a spot and that he’s training well and that he’s up to speed.”
Among those helping to sell the Chiefs culture are former players Greg Holmes, Dave Dennis, Dean Mumm and Nic White, all of whom enjoyed hugely successful spells at Sandy Park in recent years.
“Chatting with all those guys, they only had good words to say about the place,” said Sio. “They told me the Chiefs are a great club, on and off the field, and that’ll I will enjoy every minute of it.”
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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