Premiership
Newcastle Look Set for Player Exodus Following Relegation
Newcastle Falcons appear as though they may lose a host of key men after their relegation and some names are popping-up in reports
Following their relegation from the Premiership to the Championship Newcastle Falcons were bound to lose players and some star men look as though they could be on their way according to reports.
After their relegation was confirmed with their loss to Gloucester over the weekend the Cherry and Whites are showing interest in Falcons centre Chris Harris according to RugbyPass sources.
The 28-year-old, who has eight caps for Scotland, would probably need to be playing at the highest level to continue getting picked for the national side next season and this might be the solution. The reports also suggest that should he move it would be a year-long loan rather than a permanent signing.
Harris was a key man in Newcastle’s run to the play-offs last season and would be a huge loss in their bid to gain immediate promotion from the second tier.
This is not helped by the fact that Pedro Bettencourt is heading to Oyonnax, which means that the Falcons will be short in the outside-centre department.
Due to that Tom Penny and George Wacokecoke may have to step up to the plate and cease their chances to shine.
As well as Harris, England and Falcon’s star Mark Wilson has been linked with a season-long loan to Sale Sharks, with Simon Hammersley apparently seeking a more permanent move to the club.
There are bound to be more players who will look to make deals with the club to move or activate release clauses to get out and Newcastle will have to be ready to replace them ahead of a season back in the Greene King IPA Championship.
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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