Premiership
Gloucester take victory against Munster in opening pre-season fixture
Gloucester take victory in opening pre-season fixture
Gloucester Rugby opened their first pre-season fixture with a 19 – 28 win over Munster Rugby at Musgrave Park this evening.
George Skivington’s men won the physical battle throughout the first half, leaving Munster with 21 unanswered points at half time. Tries from Ollie Thorley and Chris Harris saw the visitors cross the whitewash three times before the break.
Munster found their form in the second half against a younger Gloucester side, matching the visitor’s three tries. Despite a resurgence from the home side, it was Gloucester who came away with the spoils, thanks to a solid defensive effort and high tempo attack throughout.
What happened?
Ollie Thorley opened the scoring for the visitors within the first 90 seconds, dotting down after a dominant attacking line-out from the Gloucester forwards. Adam Hastings added the conversion before Munster fell to 14-men; their own fly-half penalised for collapsing the maul.
Chris Harris was next to find himself on the scoreboard, intercepting a pass deep inside his own half to score under the posts. Hastings made it two-from-two to put the visitors up 14-0 after 20 minutes.
It was Mark Atkinson who provided the platform for the third and final try of the half, linking with fellow centre Chris Harris, who crossed for his second score. Fellow Scotsman Hastings added the extras to send Gloucester in 0-21 up at the break.
Munster matched Gloucester’s first half try tally, Calvin Nash crossing the whitewash within 15-minutes of the restart. A second try came in as many minutes before Gloucester returned the favour, Jack Reeves scoring the visitors fourth try of the evening – converted by Lloyd Evans. 12-28.
Munster took the final score of the game which saw Gloucester pick up their first win of pre-season. Final score to 19-28.
Next up
The Cherry and Whites have two pre-season fixtures next Friday night, 2 September, at Kingsholm.
Gloucester United face local rivals Hartpury RFC at 5pm before the first team take to the field against Cardiff Rugby at 7.45pm.
Entry for Gloucester United is FREE when purchasing a Cardiff ticket. Tickets are still available – click here to get yours.
George Skivington gives his thoughts following Munster win
Content & Images from – Gloucester 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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