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Dunne out to make his mark with Chiefs

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By Mark Stevens
9/9/22

When it comes to standing out in a crowd, Exeter Chiefs newcomer Jack Dunne need not worry too much.

Standing at 6ft 8ins tall, the Irishman is certainly bigger than most.

This weekend, however, he will be looking to make his first big strides into the Gallagher Premiership, locking horns with the defending champions, Leicester Tigers, in what should be a mouth-watering opening day fixture at Sandy Park.

The 23-year-old is one of six new recruits brought to Devon this summer by Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, who was keen to bolster his ranks following a plethora of departures at the end of last season.

For Dunne, it will be his first taste of rugby away from Dublin, having come through the ranks at Leinster. It’s a challenge, though, the towering forward is clearing relishing.

“I grew up supporting Leinster and for the last four years I’ve played there, so it’s been a big part of my life,” he says. “That said, I felt I needed a change and that’s why I’ve come to the Chiefs.

“Having been here only a few months, I can see it’s a special club and the group of players we have are very together. Not only doing they enjoy working hard, but they play hard as well – and that’s a great mix to have moving forward.”

Within days of his arrival at Sandy Park, Dunne knew his new club would offer a fresh outlook on rugby life.

“They didn’t have too many Marines over in Dublin,” he joked. “Training with them, it was just mad – probably one of the hardest thing I’ve done in my life. The benefits, though, are just incredible because it shows you can go to pretty dark places and still come out on the other side.”

Now, Dunne and his fellow Chiefs are hoping to put that hard work into practice, starting with the visit of the champions.

“I think all of us are chomping at the bit to get started,” he said. “We’ve worked hard in pre-season, but there’s no point doing that if you then don’t follow it up afterwards. This will be my first taste of the Premiership, but I can’t wait to get started.

“The challenge you can see is there every week and this will certainly be a baptism of fire first game up. As a player, though, you want to be involved in the big games and this is where it really starts for me and the team.”

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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