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Final Cherry & Whites side of 2022 named

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The Gloucester Rugby side for their final fixture of 2022, when they welcome London Irish to Kingsholm tomorrow (3pm KO), has been named.

Head Coach George Skivington has made six changes to the starting XV that were defeated by Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Christmas Eve.

In the front row, former Exile Harry Elrington replaces Val Rapava-Ruskin at loosehead. He is joined by Santiago Socino and Kirill Gotovtsev, who retain their places.

Alex Craig comes in for Freddie Clarke to partner Matias Alemanno in the second-row.

Player of the Match in the game against Irish at Kingsholm last season, Ruan Ackermann, switches from blindside flank to number 8, with Harry Taylor coming in at six. Captain Lewis Ludlow starts at open-side.

An all new half-back pairing sees Ben Meehan replace Stephen Varney at scrum-half and Santi Carreras move back to fly-half after starting at full back last week.

Seb Atkinson and Chris Harris continue their partnership in the centre, with Jonny May, Lloyd Evans and Ollie Thorley completing the team.

Thorley makes his return after a long period out with injury.

On the bench, George McGuigan, who made his Cherry & Whites debut against Tigers, is set to make his first appearance at Kingsholm in a Gloucester shirt.

He’s joined by Alex Seville, Ciaran Knight, Cam Jordan, Albert Tuisue, Stephen Varney, Billy Twelvetrees and Tom Seabrook.

Tickets for the game are still available here.

Team News

15. Lloyd Evans*

14. Jonny May*

13. Chris Harris

12. Seb Atkinson

11. Ollie Thorley*

10. Santiago Carreras

9. Ben Meehan

 

1. Harry Elrington

2. Santiago Socino

3. Kirill Gotovtsev

4. Alex Craig*

5. Matias Alemanno

6. Harry Taylor*

7. Lewis Ludlow (C)

8. Ruan Ackermann

 

16. George McGuigan

17. Alex Seville*

18. Ciaran Knight*

19. Cam Jordan*

20. Albert Tuisue

21. Stephen Varney*

22. Billy Twelvetrees

23. Tom Seabrook*

*Denotes academy graduate

 

Content & Images from – Gloucester 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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