Premiership
Guinness end London Irish sponsorship in wake of Paddy Jackson signing
“(Irish’s) recent decision is not consistent with our values and so we have ended our sponsorship”
Diageo, the parent company of Guinness have terminated their long-standing sponsorship deal with London Irish. The deal has been in place for 30 years but was officially terminated yesterday due to London Irish’s decision to sign former Irish International Paddy Jackson who was cleared of rape last year.
Guinness are the second sponsor to cut ties with the Exiles after Cash Converters ended their association last month.
London Irish have since come out to state that Cash Converters terminated their deal prior to the announcement of Jackson’s signing.
Diageo, who own Guinness, had recently extended the partnership with the club in 2016, calling it a ‘very special’ relationship.
Jackson’s signing has since prompted them to reassess the deal and a statement yesterday read;
‘(Irish’s) recent decision is not consistent with our values and so we have ended our sponsorship,’
London Irish released a statement in response to the news yesterday.
‘The club has always respected the right for everyone to have an opinion, and their right to express that opinion, It is regretful that this relationship has ended in the manner that it has.’
There has been a mixed reaction on social media to the news.
@Diageo_News your a disgrace for withdrawing your sponsorship of london irish due to paddy jackson
— POTR (@POTR33807691) June 13, 2019
@BreakfastNT Diageo took the right decision re Paddy Jackson. Ulster rugby and IRFU were pressurized by their sponsors who didn’t want their brands being tarnished by association.
— Eamon Donovan (@eamondonovan) June 14, 2019
It would have been a better decision by Diagio to stick with London Irish and have Paddy Jackson do a campaign on misogynistic behaviour/lad culture/drinking etc., to show others how doing these things can completely ruin your life.
— Jeremy Kearney (@jeremykearney) June 14, 2019
It’s a disgraceful and undemocratic decision, very like brexit where remainers are refusing to accept a democratic people’s decision in a referendum, Paddy Jackson was AQUITTED in his rape trial, but some horrible people are refusing to accept an exhaustive court finding in that
— Philip Murrell (@FelipeMurrelli) June 13, 2019
Premiership
SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU
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.
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Premiership
Falcons star to join Saracens
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.”
Premiership
WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA
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