Premiership
Borthwick previews Sunday’s trip to Stoop
Steve Borthwick previews the Gallagher Premiership away trip to Twickenham Stoop in Round 6 of the 2022/23 season.
Speaking at the club’s Oval Park training ground, the Leicester Tigers Head Coach said improvement remains the target for his squad.
“You are always looking to find where you need to move, which direction you need to go … that is what I always do, every week,” he said.
“You ask yourself questions constantly, challenging yourself; what did we do last week, did it improve and how can we continue to see growth?
“Sometimes you see things going on on the pitch immediately, which you can change, and sometimes it takes longer. We don’t change that approach, whatever the result.”
Tigers have welcomed new faces into the matchday squad in each of the five games so far this season, with Sunday’s game against Harlequins to be the first of the campaign in which all players named have already played.
However, with several stars sidelined following knocks in the opening months, new combinations will again be on show at Twickenham Stoop.
A first start at blindside for Hanro Liebenberg at blindside this season, Harry Potter and Matt Scott combining in the midfield and Freddie Steward, Chris Ashton and Anthony Watson starting in the back three.
Discussing the evolution of his sides, Borthwick said: “There are personnel changes, this is a very different team to last year.”
“A lot of people have come in – Julian Montoya and Jasper Wiese played their first game at the weekend – in each game. The squad has changed weekly.
“I think we have used almost 35 players already, in just five games, but that is the nature of having such a large international contingent in the squad – which I am proud of, the club is proud of and we want to continue to see for our players.”
Borthwick admitted it was a big challenge, taking on Harlequins in London, but said the focus at Oval Park has been largely on what his side needs to improve.
“We will show Harlequins all the respect we can, but our focus is largely on US AND what we are building,” said Borthwick.
“They are a really good team and have very good players in their squad, who understand the way they want to play very well.
“It’s a group that has players in key positions, who have played a lot of rugby together and it will be a big challenge on Sunday at Twickenham Stoop.”
See the matchday squad named for Sunday’s trip to Harlequins HERE.
Content & Images from – Leicester Tigers 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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