Premiership
González extends time with London Irish
London Irish back-row forward and Argentina international Juan Martín González has signed a contract extension with the Exiles, the Club can confirm.
The 22-year-old joined the set-up in south-west London alongside compatriot Lucio Cinti early on into the 2021/22 campaign, going on to make 18 appearances across all of the Gallagher Premiership, Premiership Rugby Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.
An explosive loose forward on both sides of the ball, his eight dominant tackles in the 2021/22 Premiership were the most for Irish that year, also making joint-most breakdown steals (six) and the fourth-most tackle breaks amongst Irish’s back-row players.
González has not only made a stark impression in green, also being one of the standout performers in the 2022 Rugby Championship for Michael Cheika’s Argentina side.
He was the second-highest try scorer in the tournament with four and one of five Pumas making up the top 10 tacklers in the competition with 54, as well as being joint-sixth in clean breaks (four) and seventh in lineouts won (12).
This season, González has made return to Club rugby with 11 appearances for Irish, as well as contributing to his country’s first win over England in 13 years at Twickenham Stadium.
London Irish Director of Rugby Declan Kidney has praised the work ethic of the international Puma and believes the new contract is “just reward” for his efforts.
“Juan has been a fantastic contributor to the side in his year with us, making the journey from Argentina to London is no mean feat but he has adapted extremely well.
“He has helped shape our team and is a brilliant talent, this new contract is just reward for what he has brought to London Irish so far and also an endorsement of what we believe he can do in the green jersey going forward.”
Juan voiced his joy in prolonging his stay under Kidney’s team, citing his development at Irish so far as a big factor in putting pen to paper once more at Hazelwood.
“I’d like to thank the team here at Irish for offering me an opportunity to continue my stay, I have loved my time at this Club so far and I can only see things improving,” González stated.
“After joining last year, everyone has made me feel so welcome and my time on and off the pitch has seen me grow into a better player and person.
“I feel that my game has improved a lot since becoming a London Irish player, I work with fantastic players, coaches and staff that have helped me and I am excited to see where we can go as a team.”
Content & Images from – London Irish 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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