Premiership
Saints sign Fijian scrum-half
Fijian international Frank Lomani will join Northampton Saints from Australian side Melbourne Rebels ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The 25-year-old scrum-half is expected to land at Franklin’s Gardens in September for the start of the new Gallagher Premiership campaign.
Lomani boasts 17 caps for Fiji – featuring in the recent series against the All Blacks as well as the 2019 Rugby World Cup – and makes the switch to the Northern Hemisphere to join international teammates Sam Matavesi and Api Ratuniyarawa in Black, Green and Gold after two seasons with the Rebels.
An electrifying half-back, Lomani is a perfect fit for the Premiership with superb footwork, classy delivery around the breakdown and an impressive all-round kicking game.
“I hope I can develop my skills and improve all-round on the field playing Northern Hemisphere rugby and working with a really impressive set of coaches – I can’t wait to get started!”
Lomani made his breakthrough in 2018, with a series of scintillating performances for the Fijian Drua in the Australian NRC earning him the competition’s Player of the Year award, as well as a call-up to play for the Barbarians in their 38-35 victory over Argentina at Twickenham.
After cementing his place in the Flying Fijians’ line-up throughout their 2019 Pacific Nations Cup campaign, Lomani started three matches at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and signed up with the Rebels in Melbourne, where he subsequently made 25 appearances in the Super Rugby competition.
“We’re thrilled to sign a scrum-half of international quality in Frank,” said Saints’ Director of Rugby, Chris Boyd.
“It’s really important to have strong competition for places across our whole squad, and we’re very confident Frank will bring a lot to the table within our young group of No.9s.
“He’s also a player who I am sure our supporters will enjoy watching; Frank plays the game with a smile on his face and is capable of creating opportunities from anywhere on the park. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can achieve in Black, Green and Gold.”
Source – Northampton Saints 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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