Premiership
HOMEGROWN RODD SIGNS NEW DEAL
Sale Sharks and England prop Bevan Rodd has committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new three-year deal.
The 23-year-old loosehead, who was born in Dunoon, western Scotland, joined the Sale academy in 2018 and made his first team debut just a year later. He’s gone on to make almost 80 first team appearances.
Bevan has represented England at U16s, U18s, U20s and full international level, winning six full caps and featuring against Chile and in the bronze medal match against Argentina at the recent World Cup.
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Bevan will play for the British and Irish Lions – I’m really confident about that. He’s one of the most talented looseheads I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and I’ve been lucky to work with a few.
“He had to improve his set-piece and a lot of that comes with age, size and weight. You can see from his performances in the World Cup and this season so far that he’s done that.
“He plays like a back-rower but I think his x-factor is the energy that he brings to the team when he runs onto the field. It’s characters that win you trophies and you can see how much fight and desire Bevan has to win with this club.
“We have loads of really talented young props but Bevan is international class now and he’s only 23 years old. How good will he be in a couple of years? He’s really exciting and I’m buzzing that he wants to stay here.”
Bevan said: “There was never any doubt about wanting to stay. This club means a lot to me, I get to play rugby with some of my best mates every day, and I know it’s the best place for me to develop my game and grow on and off the field.
“We’ve shown we can compete for the big trophies and I’m really excited to see what this group can achieve together in the years to come.”
Bevan comes from a sporting family with both his parents having represented Scotland at volleyball.
Originally dual-qualified for both England and Scotland, he began his rugby journey playing for Buchan School, on the Isle of Man, where his talent was spotted at an early age.
He was just ten years old when he impressed national selectors enough to earn selection for the English Prep School Barbarians Under 11 team for their tour of Dublin.
Bevan moved to Sedbergh School, in Cumbria, where he was an important member of the school’s Daily Mail Schools Trophy Final triumph in December 2017, starring alongside former Sharks star Cameron Redpath.
He joined the Sale Sharks Academy in 2018 and became a regular in the U18s and Jets squad before making his first team debut in 2019.
In 2021 Bevan received his first call-up to Eddie Jones’ England squad for the Autumn internationals against Canada and the USA.
Images & Content from Sale Sharks 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
Munster Rugby Announce Contract Deals For Murray, Daly & Gleeson
Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Cardiff At Thomond
