Premiership
Ben Loader signs new contract with London Irish
London Irish Academy graduate Ben Loader has put pen-to-paper to extend his stay in west London, the Club is pleased to confirm.
The 24-year-old entered his seventh season of involvement with the senior team this year and has been in great form during the 2022/23 season, including a hattrick of tries against Bath Rugby.
Loader established himself as a starter in the European and domestic cup sides of the 2017/18 season, making his debut against Cornish Pirates the campaign previous and has since scored 36 tries in 85 appearances as an Exile.
A capped England under-20 international, the explosive winger aided in Irish’s charge back to the Premiership in the 2018/19 campaign and was involved with the England senior set-up against a Barbarians XV in 2019.
Upon confirmation of his extension at the Hazelwood Centre, Ben Loader expressed his happiness in extending his contract as a London Irish player for the seasons to come.
“I know that over recent years the Club is moving in the right trajectory, including now playing in the Heineken Champions Cup, a lot of hard work has gone into that,” Loader explained.
“I’m now prepared to be part of the next stages of work with the Club, I want to embrace the challenges that are ahead of us now individually and collectively as part of this special squad.
“I love this Club and everything it has done for me and my family, so staying with London Irish is the right decision.”
London Irish Director of Rugby Declan Kidney believes securing the future of Loader is an important signature for his Exiles team.
“We’re delighted to have Ben on board with us going forward at London Irish. His contribution to the team, on and off the pitch, is growing season by season – with his best years ahead of him.
“As well as being a fantastic player, Ben is a very popular figure both at Hazelwood and amongst our supporter base, so we know that securing his services long term will prove very popular.”
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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
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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