Premiership
England international commits future to Saints
Tommy Freeman has penned a new long-term contract that sees the fullback remain at Northampton Saints beyond the end of the 2022/23 season. The 21-year-old Saints Academy graduate, also comfortable playing on the wing, burst onto the senior stage back in 2020 and a meteoric rise through the Club’s ranks culminated this summer in two England caps during the Red Rose’s successful tour of Australia.The versatile back has already notched up 17 tries in just 35 appearances in Black, Green and Gold, with 14 of those coming in 18 games during the 2021/22 campaign.That blistering form saw Freeman scoop Saints’ Young Player of the Season Award, having been named the Club’s Breakthrough Player of the Season the year beforehand – and with his career still in its infancy, Northampton’s Director of Rugby Phil Dowson is confident Freeman can go from strength to strength at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.“Tommy is a bona fide freak of an athlete,” he said. “He’s tall, big and fast, but he’s also ludicrously skilful as well, and those things combined add up to a special player.“He’s still young and has a lot to learn in terms of his positioning and defending, but regardless of that he’s still good enough to be playing international rugby for England at the moment, and that speaks volumes.
Tommy Freeman has penned a new long-term contract that sees the fullback remain at Northampton Saints beyond the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 21-year-old Saints Academy graduate, also comfortable playing on the wing, burst onto the senior stage back in 2020 and a meteoric rise through the Club’s ranks culminated this summer in two England caps during the Red Rose’s successful tour of Australia.
The versatile back has already notched up 17 tries in just 35 appearances in Black, Green and Gold, with 14 of those coming in 18 games during the 2021/22 campaign.
That blistering form saw Freeman scoop Saints’ Young Player of the Season Award, having been named the Club’s Breakthrough Player of the Season the year beforehand – and with his career still in its infancy, Northampton’s Director of Rugby Phil Dowson is confident Freeman can go from strength to strength at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
“Tommy is a bona fide freak of an athlete,” he said. “He’s tall, big and fast, but he’s also ludicrously skilful as well, and those things combined add up to a special player.
“He’s still young and has a lot to learn in terms of his positioning and defending, but regardless of that he’s still good enough to be playing international rugby for England at the moment, and that speaks volumes.
Content & Images from – Northampton Saints 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
Munster Rugby Announce Contract Deals For Murray, Daly & Gleeson
Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Cardiff At Thomond
