Premiership
Bristol Make Another Signing
Bristol Bears have continued their fine form in the transfer market as they look to boost their team ahead of next season
Bristol Bears have confirmed the signing of former academy back-row Mitch Eadie from follow English Premiership side the Northampton Saints.
The 27-year-old, joins on a two-year deal having previously played for the Bears between 2010 and 2017, making over 130 appearances for the club before heading to the Saints.
Eadie has admitted his delight at being able to return to where it all began for him in the professional game and is looking forward to what the future holds in Bristol.
“I’ve had a great three years at Northampton, learnt a great deal and it will always be a club and location that I look back fondly on, but I’m so pleased to be coming home and I’m grateful to Pat Lam for the chance to pull on a Bristol jersey again. Playing in front of Bristolians at Ashton Gate means a lot to me and I want to make them proud. I’m looking forward to learning a lot from a great coaching group and keep developing my game. I’m excited to be able to contribute to that vision moving forward and play my part in Bristol’s success,” he said.
The Bristolian left the club due to their relegation back in 2017 and the Bears director of rugby Pat Lam is delighted to welcome him back and understood the players decision to leave before.
“We spoke on the phone when Mitch left after Bristol had been relegated in 2017. He wanted to play at the highest level and I understood his reasons at that stage. I admired what he had done for the team before I arrived – he’s an exciting young Bristolian player who cares about the club. It didn’t work out as well as Mitch would have liked at Northampton due to injury and opportunities, but it was still a great experience for him and he will have learned a huge amount. We’re delighted to have him back and we know he will add real value to our squad and can contribute across the back row for the Bears,” he said.
Eadie is Bristol’s second signing in three days following the announcement of the arrival of Kyle Sinckler earlier in the week. While the England international was brought in after the club had already signed up Fijian star Semi Radradra as they look to make a huge impact in the Premiership next season as well as on the European stage.
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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