Premiership
London Irish confirm 2022/23 captain
Director of Rugby Declan Kidney has announced that Matt Rogerson will be captain of the London Irish senior squad for the second season running, the Club can confirm today.
The back-row forward, who signed on with the Exiles four seasons ago from Championship side Jersey Reds, was awarded the captaincy for the first time last season having been co-captain the season previous.
In his first campaign adorning the armband, Rogerson led the Exiles to their highest place finish in the Gallagher Premiership since 2012, also qualifying for their first Heineken Champions Cup venture in 11 seasons.
Irish’s captain played his part in carrying Irish to their highest points per game (PPG) outside of a play-off finish since the bonus points scoring system was introduced in the 2000/01 Premiership season.
Having started his professional rugby career with Sale Sharks, Rogerson made the move to St. Peter in 2017 and has since gone on to make 96 appearances in Exile green in his four years with the Club.
After the announcement, Rogerson voiced his elation in being renamed as the captain of London Irish.
“I recognise the magnitude of Declan’s decision to entrust me in leading the boys for another year, it’s a massive source of pride for me, my family and my friends too.
“I’d like to thank Declan, the players and all the coaches for allowing me to lead this great Club, it has been nothing other than a pleasure working with them and the squad so far since I arrived in 2018.
“What we have ahead of us now is potentially one of the most exciting seasons in the recent history of London Irish, and I am fully committed to improving our performances and delivering on what our brilliant fans deserve.”
Kidney has also confirmed Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, and Paddy Jackson as part of the London Irish leadership team to support Matt and the side.
The former Australian international lock pairing, both of whom joined in the seasons following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, have become a formidable partnership at the heart of the London Irish pack.
“I’d like to congratulate Matt in retaining the captaincy for another season, it is thoroughly deserved and his contributions to the side have been immense for the progression of this Club on and off the pitch,” said Declan Kidney, Director of Rugby.
“We are also welcoming Adam and Rob to our leadership team here this season, the coaches and I believe they have shown outstanding initiative both at Brentford and Hazelwood to be examples to all members of our squad.
“This group has shown the dedication and authority in their time in an Irish jersey to warrant their titles.”
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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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