Premiership
McGuigan looking forward to first Cherry & Whites start against Saracens
Gloucester Rugby hooker George McGuigan is looking forward to taking on the league leaders tomorrow evening at Kingsholm, after making his first home appearance for the club in our New Year’s Eve win over London Irish.
“They’re a very good team, I’ve played them already this season with Newcastle and they hammered us, so I’m looking forward to playing with a new bunch of players and putting our game onto them and taking it to them.
“They move the ball very well, they’ve got lots of internationals who are very good rugby players. They’re coached very well, they’re a very well drilled team, so we know we have to stick to our game plan and have our attitude ready.”
McGuigan made his first home appearance for the Cherry & Whites on New Year’s Eve and says settling in at Kingsholm hasn’t been a problem.
“It’s been quite easy to be honest, I knew a lot of the boys here anyway which was good. I’ve been good friends with Chris Harris for a long, long time, we used to live in the academy houses together up in Newcastle, so he’s helped me through the transition and like I said it’s been easy.”
The hooker said it was nice to feel the passionate Gloucester Rugby support with him for a change.
“Obviously I’ve played here quite a few times for other clubs and it’s a very hostile environment to play in, but it was great to have them behind us when we scored those late points to beat Irish, the crowd were amazing.”
The 29-year-old admitted it wasn’t the perfect game for the Cherry & Whites but was happy with how they fought for the win.
“It wasn’t the best game of rugby, it was a bit scrappy and messy. We probably didn’t utilise all of the pressure that we put on them and left some good opportunities out there, but we came away with the result.”
With injuries to senior hookers Jack Singleton & Santi Socino, McGuigan is hoping he can claim the starting hooker spot, by putting in some big performances in their absence.
“I hope I get to show what I can do and put my stamp on the 2 shirt and stake my claim on that place.”
The win over Irish meant the Cherry & Whites went into the new year I the top four, and McGuigan says that’s just where they want to be.
“We’re in the top four going into the new year, which is exactly where we want to be, it’s exciting to see where we can take it.”
Tickets for the game are available here.
Content & Images from – Gloucester 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
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