Premiership
Exeter snap up Wallabies front-rower
By Mark Stevens
17/8/22
Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their front-row options ahead of the new 2022/23 season with the signing of experienced Australian international Scott Sio.
The 30-year-old loosehead is Rob Baxter’s latest new addition, joining the club on a long-term deal from Super Rugby side, the Brumbies.
After 11 seasons with the Brumbies, Sio – who has been capped 71 times by the Wallabies – says the ‘time is right’ for him to experience a new challenge and the Chiefs is just that opportunity as he readies himself for the demands of both England and European Rugby.
“I’m super excited about the move,” he said. “It’s something new, something fresh and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I’ve spoken to a few boys about the club and all of them have talked it up and said it’s a great place to go and play rugby.
“Having been at the Brumbies for so long, it’s going to be a different challenge of course, but it’s one that I feel I need. I’ve played over in England and Europe before at Test level, but having that weekly challenge is going to be something new.”
Sio has watched from afar games in both the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup and admits at being somewhat envious at the games being played out.
“It’s going to be good coming up against some of the best teams in Europe,” he added. “Watching the Champions Cup you can see it’s a pretty special competition and I know the Premiership is going to be just as tough.
“It’s going to be physical and a lot is put on you as a forward, but that’s one of the things that attracted me to coming over. I wanted to test myself in a new team and a new environment.”
Among those helping to sell the Chiefs culture are former players Greg Holmes, Dave Dennis, Dean Mumm and Nic White, all of whom enjoyed hugely successful spells at Sandy Park in recent years.
“Chatting with all those guys, they only had good words to say about the place,” continued Sio. “They told me the Chiefs are a great club, on and off the field, and that’ll I will enjoy every minute of it.”
Sio is Baxter’s sixth new signing of the close season, having already brought in Leinster duo Jack Dunne and Rory O’Loughlin, as well as Aidon Davis, Ruben Van Heerden and, more recently, Solomone Kata.
Content & Images from – Exeter Chiefs 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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