Connect with us

Premiership

London Irish rocked by double Wallaby departures

Published

on

(Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

London Irish today confirmed that Sekope Kepu has left the club due to personal reasons.

Kepu outlined the nature of his predicament to Director of Rugby, Declan Kidney, over recent weeks and this weekend confirmed that he felt he had no option but to return to New Zealand citing personal family health reasons – which will remain private – for his decision.

Declan Kidney said: “Whilst we are desperately disappointed, in these unprecedented times, we understand the human element of Sekope’s situation.

“We wish Sekope and his family well – and thank him for his contribution to the club.”

This blow is another blow after Billy Meakes’ time at London Irish also reached a conclusion, with the Australian heading to pastures new in the United States.

Meakes, who joined on a short-term contract in late October, will link up with LA Giltinis later this month, after saying his goodbyes to his Irish team-mates earlier this week.

The Australian centre made seven appearances for the Exiles – and leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.

Director of Rugby, Declan Kidney, said: “We wish Billy all the best for his future in America – and thank him for his professionalism and the contribution he has made at London Irish, both on and off the field.

“It takes a quality person to make such an impact in such a short period of time and that’s all credit to him.”

Meakes expressed his delight at how the last few months have panned out, commenting: “It’s been a really satisfying period for me.

“The opportunity to learn and grow has always excited me – and to do it for a short spell at a club like London Irish, with such a rich history, has been amazing.

“It’s a great group here and I’ll really miss them all.”

Meakes reserved his final words for the Exile Nation supporters, adding: “I’ve really felt the love from them, especially across social media, because sadly, they haven’t been in the stadium as much as we’d all have liked.

“I’ve really felt their support – and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be here.”


Premiership

SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU

Published

on

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


Continue Reading

Premiership

Falcons star to join Saracens

Published

on

Phil Brantingham to join Saracens

Tuesday 05 March 2024 Written by: Tom Grisedale

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


Continue Reading

Premiership

WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA

Published

on

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


Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending