Premiership
Francois Hougaard confirms Wasps future
Wasps are pleased to announce that Francois Hougaard has signed a new agreement with the Club.
The experienced South African scrum-half joined Wasps last year on a short-term deal, demonstrating his importance to the team with some strong performances both in his favoured position and out on the wing.
Men’s Head Coach Lee Blackett said: “We are delighted to have Francois back in the set up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
“He was a great addition to the squad last season and brought some moments of magic in the latter stages of last season.
“Francois’ rugby intelligence and experience is what it takes to succeed in the Premiership. His versatility and strength to play both 9 and on the wing is exactly what we need.
He is a popular member of the squad and I’m looking forward to seeing him back in training and excited to see what he will bring this season.”
Francois represented South Africa at international level between 2009 & 2014, and went on to represent his nation playing Rugby 7s at the Olympic Games in 2016 where they secured a Bronze medal.
In his previous outings in Black and Gold, Francois’ talent and positional flexibility were great assets for the team, and were key reasons why the Club were determined to bring back the accomplished number 9 for the 22/23 campaign.
Reflecting on last season and looking to his future with the Club, Francois added: “I’m delighted to have re-signed with Wasps. .
“The set up here is great and the facilities are second to none. I can’t wait to start training with the boys again and to get back out in front of the fans at Coventry Building Society Arena next month.”
Great to have you back, Francois!
Tickets are now available for our Coventry Building Society Arena season opener vs Bristol Bears on Saturday 17 September. Get your tickets HERE
Content & Images from – Wasps 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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