Premiership
Former Saracen signs for Newcastle Falcons
Monday 12 September 2022
Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of back-three player Elliott Obatoyinbo on a short-term deal.
The former Saracen will be with the Falcons for the next two months, with the 23-year-old able to play full-back or wing.
A former Harrow and Stonyhurst schoolboy, Obatoyinbo made 32 appearances during his four seasons with Saracens after coming through their academy, also playing on dual-registration for London Scottish, Ampthill and Old Albanians.
“I left Saracens after last season, I’ve been looking for a club and I’m happy that Newcastle have given me this opportunity,” said the new arrival.
“I’m only just starting today after coming up over the weekend, and I’m excited to get involved. I’m here for two months, but who knows after that. Hopefully it will be for longer.
“Saracens has been a great environment with some outstanding players and I learned a lot during my time there, but I’m excited about this new opportunity.
“I know Nathan Earle from our time together at Sarries, and we’re from similar backgrounds so we get on well. I also know Josh Barton from when I was out at London Scottish, but I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone else and hopefully making a positive contribution.”
Asked what he hopes to add to the squad and which position he prefers playing, Obatoyinbo replied: “I’ll play anywhere across the back three, but if you were to press me I’d say I probably prefer full-back. I grew up playing there mostly, but I don’t mind either way to be honest.
“My high-ball skills and back-field coverage are both aspects I would hope to bring to the team, but I’d say my X-factor would be my footwork, speed and ability to beat a man.
“I enjoy the defensive elements of it as well as what I’d hope to show in attack, and I’ll be working my hardest to take this opportunity.”
Newcastle Falcons head coach Dave Walder said: “Elliott is a talented player who gives us lots of options at a time when we have a number of injuries and a packed programme of fixtures.
“He comes highly-rated from his time at Saracens, he has a lot of ability and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can add to our group.”
Source – Newcastle Falcons 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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