Connect with us

Premiership

Cowan-Dickie injury update

Published

on

By Mark Stevens
25/1/23

Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter says he remains hopeful that Luke Cowan-Dickie will be back in action before the end of the season.

The England and British & Irish Lions hooker suffered a serious ankle injury against Northampton Saints earlier this month – and has since undergone surgery to repair the damage caused in the Gallagher Premiership fixture.

Asked by the media how the 29-year-old was progressing, Baxter confirmed the forward would take no part in the upcoming Guinness Six Nations Championship, but said the Cornishman was on course to return before the end of the regular season.

“The timings say he should be there or thereabouts towards the end of the season,” said Baxter. “Sometimes those things can change by weeks either way, but if we get progression games that obviouslyt helps a lot and starts to extend the season.

“I think he is confident he will be back way before then, that is what Luke is like, but a combination of the two probably means he will get there. That’s great news for us, great news for England going into a World Cup year, but if anyone can get themselves ready to go in a short space of time, it’ll be Luke Cowan-Dickie.”

Cowan-Dickie’s injury timeline adds further pressure on Steve Borthwick’s hooker stocks, especially with Jamie George withdrawing from the squad with a concussion and George McGuigan with a knee problem.

Unless Saracens hooker George recovers in time, Jack Walker is likely to earn an England debut against Scotland on February 4. Bath’s Tom Dunn has also been called into the squad to cover for the injuries and could add to his three Test caps.

Content & Images from – Exeter Chiefs Rugby


Premiership

SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU

Published

on

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


Continue Reading

Premiership

Falcons star to join Saracens

Published

on

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


Continue Reading

Premiership

WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA

Published

on

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


Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending