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Premiership

Falcons sign Nathan Earle

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Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

 

Multiple Premiership title winner Nathan Earle has joined Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal, speaking of the ‘exciting times’ ahead at Kingston Park Stadium.

The 26-year-old winger scored four tries in five league games this season for recently-crowned Gallagher Premiership champions Harlequins, having also won the league with Saracens.

A proven finisher who has toured with England, Earle has scored 23 tries in his 53 Premiership appearances, plus another four in 13 European outings.

A try-scorer for Saracens in their 2017 Premiership final victory over Exeter Chiefs, the 6 foot 2 star also scored on his England debut in the non-cap match against the Barbarians the same year.

The former England Under-20s and 18s wing even won New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship with Canterbury back in 2016, scoring in the final, and the Hong-Kong-born flyer is already eager to get started on Tyneside.

“I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle, and can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season on July 19,” said Earle.

“My little brother and my best mate were both at university in Newcastle so I’ve been up there plenty of times, and have a bit of an insight into what the place is about.”

Revealing the part played by director of rugby Dean Richards in luring him to the North East, he added: “I had a couple of positive chats with Dean, and it was really his whole outlook on things which led me to believe that this was the best option for me.

“I feel like Newcastle is somewhere which is going to be exciting next season, and I’ll obviously have familiar faces like Mike Brown who is making the same move, and Tom Penny, who I played with the season before when he came down to Quins.

“I’d like to think I’m a bit of an experienced practitioner now, and hopefully I can help what is already an incredibly dangerous back three.

“The Falcons have got loads of quality there, and we can really push on next season. I don’t think we’re a bottom end of the table team by any means, and it’s just an exciting prospect to be up there.”

Reflecting on a season which saw him bursting into form for Harlequins before missing the culmination of their title-winning season through injury, Earle said: “It’s the second time I’ve left a team after they’ve just won the Premiership title, and even though I was injured for the semi-final and the final it was still a great period to be part of.

“Those two games were probably two of the best knock-out matches the league has ever seen, and it was great that we did it playing the Quins way.

“It was awesome for the boys who were able to play, but after a couple of days’ celebrating I’m just looking forward now and getting excited about the prospect of being a Newcastle Falcons player.”

Falcons boss Richards echoed that enthusiasm, saying: “Nathan is someone who has scored tries and won trophies wherever he has been, and I’m delighted to have been able to bring him up to Newcastle.

“He’s another good English player adding to what is already a competitive squad, and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact he can make for us.”

Source – Newcastle Falcons 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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