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Premiership

Coaches agree new long-term deals

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By Mark Stevens
7/12/22

Exeter Chiefs Chief Executive Tony Rowe OBE has spoken of his delight after it was confirmed that four of his senior coaching staff have today agreed new long-term deals with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, together with head coach Ali Hepher, forwards coach Rob Hunter and skills coach Ricky Pellow have all put pen to paper, ensuring they will be driving the club forward in the future.

Baxter, Hepher and Pellow have all been part of the club’s coaching staff since the 2009/10 season, while Hunter has been in his role since joining from the England Under-20s set-up in 2013.

Together the quartet have overseen some of the club’s greatest triumphs, including a Heineken Champions Cup win, two Premiership Rugby titles, as well as two domestic cup successes. They have also unearthed a wealth of talent, many of whom have featured prominently both for the Chiefs and on the international stage.

Commenting on the news, Rowe said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure the futures of four of our core coaches here at the club. As a collective they have been instrumental in the rise of the club in recent season, helping bringing a genuine level of on-field success.

“Having spoken with all of them, I know they share the same vision as myself of driving the club onto even greater things in the coming years. As a group they have a real connection with one another and I know that they believe they can continue to build on what they have created.”

Baxter has been with the club since a young boy, starting out initially as a ball-boy at the old County Ground to playing for the Colts, then captaining the first team. With over 300 appearances for the club, it has been his vision as a coach that has further enhanced his stellar status.

He said: “Obviously, I’m very pleased to have signed a long-term contract extension, but I’m particularly delighted that three of the senior staff have agreed similar deals. Not only is it good news for us personally, but it’s great that the club are backing us to keep producing not only good rugby, but good players and, hopefully, success for the club.

“Over the years we have achieved a lot together, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we are all hungry to achieve more. Believe it or not, we take it pretty personally when the team don’t perform like we should and that’s the motivating factor for all of us.

“I’ve obviously got a close affiliation to the club, my family have got a close affiliation to the club, it works for me family-wise. It really bothers me and hurts me when we don’t play to our potential, and we haven’t done that now for 18 months. I’m very determined and very driven to get us back to playing a lot closer to our potential than we are at the moment.”

Content & Images from – Exeter Chiefs Rugby


Premiership

SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU

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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


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Premiership

Falcons star to join Saracens

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Phil Brantingham to join Saracens

Tuesday 05 March 2024 Written by: Tom Grisedale

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


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Premiership

WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA

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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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