Premiership
Du Preez twins commit future to Sharks
Jean-Luc and Daniel have signed new deals keeping them at Sale until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Alex Sanderson has hailed ‘honorary Mancunians’ Jean-Luc and Dan du Preez as two of the Premiership’s very best after the twins committed their long-term futures to Sale Sharks.
The powerful 27-year-olds, who signed for the club on permanent deals in 2019, have put pen to paper on deals taking them up to the end of the 2025/26 season.
The twins arrived in Manchester from Durban-based Super Rugby side Cell C Sharks, where they had played alongside older brother – and now Sale teammate – Rob.
Since then both players have become key parts of the Sharks side, with versatile Jean-Luc, who initially joined on loan, racking up 83 appearances for the club, and number eight Dan featuring 73 times.
Jean-Luc said: “I am delighted that I will be staying with Sale and I’m really excited to see what we can produce as a group.
“My brothers and I come over in 2019 wanting to win something, and we have struggled over the last few seasons by Sale’s standards, however I feel there is a renewed energy in the club and I think this might just be the year where we surprise a lot of people.”
Dan said: “I’m so excited to be here for the next four years and I can’t wait to see where we go as a team. I couldn’t be happier with my decision. My family and I have made this home.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex said the new deals for two of his key players demonstrates the level of the club’s ambition.
He said: “Where do I start with the du Preez twins and their physicality, their passion and their quality? My cup runeth over.
“They are two of the very best and most consistent performers in the Premiership and for them to both commit three of the best years of their careers to this club goes so far in shouting out what a special place this is.
“The lads had offers from Japan and from France but they want to be here and that demonstrates just how high our aspirations and ambitions are.
“Jean-Luc and Dan have had kids here, their families are happy here and they’ve really found a home. I know they’re from South Africa but they’re honorary Mancunians.”
Jean-Luc and Dan joined Sale Sharks on a permanent deal in 2019 after impressing on an initial three-month loan contract.
The twins arrived in Manchester from Durban-based Super Rugby side Cell C Sharks, where they had played alongside older brother – and now Sale teammate – Rob.
Jean-Luc has won 13 international caps since making his Springbok debut as a replacement against Wales, in Cardiff, in 2016.
Dan, who has six caps, made his debut for the Springboks the following year and in doing so made history.
The twins’ dad Robert played seven tests for South Africa and when Dan took the field against France, it was the first time in South African rugby that two sons of a Springbok had played Test rugby.
In 2021 both Jean-Luc and Dan were named in the Springbok squad for the series against the British and Irish Lions.
“This is a huge coup for the club. Jean-Luc and Dan were highly sought after and had plenty of offers from both the Gallagher Premiership and abroad. They see what we’re building here and they want to stay and be a part of it.
“It’s a huge statement of intent for us. We want to create an environment where the very best players feel like they can grow and thrive and be successful.
“Jean-Luc and Dan are absolutely integral to what we want to achieve and we’re all thrilled that they’ve decided to stay.”
Images & Content from Sale Sharks 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.
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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.
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