Premiership
Chiefs hopeful of Devoto return in New Year
By Mark Stevens
15/11/22
Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, says centre Ollie Devoto remains on course to return to fitness in the New Year.
The 29-year-old has not played a game since the Chiefs defeated Bristol Bears 19-13 at Sandy Park on New Year’s Day. Since then, the England international has undergone surgery on both of his hips.
He is, however, progressing well in his rehabilitation and Baxter is hopeful it won’t be too long before Devoto is back battling for selection.
“He’s on his feet and moving around,” said Baxter. “He’s in the fixed stages of rehab and he’s running around and doing stuff, so really it’s now just him getting more and more comfortable with everything.”
Devoto has been a key member of some of Exeter’s most successful sides, including starting their 2020 Gallagher Premiership final win and being a replacement in the squad that won the Heineken Champions Cup final that year.
Since he joined Exeter from Bath in the summer of 2016 he has played in four Premiership finals. He scored a try in the loss to Harlequins at Twickenham in 2021 and was part of the side that beat Wasps for Exeter’s maiden title in 2017.
“It’s been a long time,” added Baxter. “He was a very good player for us and been a key player in a lot of important seasons for us, and important performances, so it’ll be great to have him available.
“We’ve been going along with some guys and you almost forget we’ve had them given some of the long-term injuries. That starts to thicken out our options no end. Solomona Kata will be back in the next couple of weeks as well from being away with Tonga.”
Devoto is amongst a number of current Chiefs looking to battle their way back to fitness. Others on the sidelines include Stu Townsend, Richard Capstick, Billy Keast, Tom Hendrickson, Ben Moon, Marcus Street and Aidon Davis.
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
Munster Rugby Announce Contract Deals For Murray, Daly & Gleeson
Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Cardiff At Thomond
