Premiership
Jimmy Gopperth And Malakai Fekitoa To Leave Wasps At The End Of The Season
Wasps can confirm that Jimmy Gopperth and Malakai Fekitoa will be leaving the Club at the end of the current season.
Wasps Men’s Head Coach, Lee Blackett, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Jimmy and Malakai for all their efforts during their time at the Club.
“Jimmy has provided us with countless memorable moments throughout his Wasps career.
“He will be fondly remembered for his cool from the kicking tee in pressure moments, including ‘the kick’ against Exeter, that will always be remembered by all those that were in attendance.
“Jimmy’s longevity has been remarkable, and we look forward to seeing him contribute in Black and Gold for the remainder of the season.
“Everyone at Wasps would like to wish Jimmy, Sarah, Bayley and Weston the best for the future.”
Gopperth said: “Thank you to everyone at Wasps for what has been an amazing seven years for me and my family.
“Huge thanks to Dai and Derek for bringing me to the club and since then to the coaches, players, and back-room staff past and present for making my time here so memorable.
“The Wasps jersey is one I’ve been incredibly proud to wear. To the fans…you guys are incredible. You have helped in creating some amazing memories and moments that will stay with me, and hopefully you too, forever.
“This season isn’t done, and I’m looking forward to contributing what I can and giving 100% to the jersey and to the club right till the very end.”
On Fekitoa, Blackett commented: “We will always remember Malakai for being a model professional, who gave his all whenever he has pulled on a Black and Gold shirt.
“It was great to have Malakai back out on the field at the weekend, he will continue to bring a lot to the squad for the remainder of the season.
“Everyone at Wasps would like to wish Malakai, Claudia and all his family the best for the future.”
Fekitoa added: “Thank you to everyone here at Wasps for these three incredible years, full of learning, new challenges, friendships and unforgettable experiences.
“It has been a great honour to represent this proud Club. I feel very lucky to have been part of this team.
“There’s still a long season ahead and I am going to give everything I’ve got until the last game.”
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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