Premiership
Dombrandt leads Quins in first game of 22/23 campaign
England number eight Alex Dombrandt captains Harlequins this weekend as the South West London club kick-off the opening round of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership away to Newcastle Falcons.
Supporters not travelling to this away fixture can view the game live on PRTV.
Dombrandt, recently returned from a knee injury, fills in as skipper for injured Club Captain Stephan Lewies this week as Quins travel to Kingston Park this Saturday – live on PRTV, 15:00 kick-off.
Dombrandt is joined by fellow England international Joe Marler, with the British and Irish Lions prop earning a first start of the year, having made an impact from the bench in last Friday’s pre-season friendly against Leinster. Marler is joined by Springbok Wilco Louw at tighthead prop, with hooker George Head completing the front row.
Summer signing Irne Herbst will earn his first official Harlequins appearance at Kingston Park this Saturday, starting in a competitive match for Quins alongside new locking partner and recent Academy graduate George Hammond in the second row.
Jack Kenningham and Tom Lawday pack down on the flank either side of Dombrandt, while a halfback partnership of Lewis Gjaltema and Italian international Tommy Allan will look to direct Quins for the day at nine and ten.
The midfield sees Lennox Anyanwu and Luke Northmore continue the partnership they have established during pre-season fixtures against London Scottish and Leinster, while there are no changes to a back three of Cadan Murley, Nick David and Tyrone Green that faced Leinster last Friday night.
Commenting, Head Coach Tabai Matson said: “It’s great to be back in a Premiership game week. We’ve had two strong pre-season fixtures, but there’s a different energy around the camp this week.
“We know from our first game against Newcastle last season that they are a tough, determined team and you have to be on the ball against them. They’ll have a bit of a different energy and a new direction with a new man in charge. It’s the first game of the season we’ll play in anger. It’s so important we are focused and clear on getting our lines right to start the season off well.”
Harlequins Starting XV
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Joe Marler
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George Head
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Wilco Louw
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George Hammond
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Irne Herbst
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Jack Kenningham
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Tom Lawday
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Alex Dombrandt – Captain
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Lewis Gjaltema
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Tommy Allan
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Cadan Murley
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Lennox Anyanwu
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Luke Northmore
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Nick David
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Tyrone Green
Impact Players
16. Jack Walker
17. Simon Kerrod
18. Will Collier
19. Dino Lamb
20. Will Evans
21. Jack Stafford
22. Will Edwards
23. Joe Marchant
Images & Content – Quins 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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