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Premiership

Saracens name team to face Northampton Saints in opener

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Manu Vunipola says Saracens Men are looking to keep building as they begin their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign against Northampton Saints tomorrow evening.

The Men in Black will feature in their first competitive match of the 2022/23 season with a trip to Franklin’s Gardens, and after the win over Ampthill they are aiming to take further strides forward with the Gallagher Premiership opener against Harlequins now firmly in sight.

Eroni Mawi, Tom Woolstencroft and Christian Judge start in the front-row, whilst Callum Hunter-Hill and Hugh Tizard will also maintain their second-row partnership.

Theo McFarland comes in to start at blindside flanker, with Ben Earl at openside and captain Jackson Wray moves to number eight.

Ivan van Zyl and Manu Vunipola stay as half-backs, and Duncan Taylor comes back in at inside centre alongside Alex Lozowski.

Max Malins moves to the left wing, with Alex Lewington on the right after his double try-scoring performance last week. Elliot Daly moves to full-back and will be eyeing up any attacking opportunities in open spaces.

On the bench there is an opportunity for Academy player Alex Wardell, whilst Alex Goode will be looking to gain valuable match fitness before the league campaign.

Vunipola says Sarries will be looking to build more momentum when they head to Northampton on Thursday.

“The start of the season is always an exciting time and it’s a chance for us to put our best foot forward.

We had some good moments against Ampthill but we know we’ll have to take it up a gear as Franklin’s Gardens is always a very tough place to go.”

Saracens Men team to play Northampton Saints:

1 Eroni Mawi

2 Tom Woolstencroft

3 Christian Judge

4 Callum Hunter-Hill

5 Hugh Tizard

6 Theo McFarland

7 Ben Earl

8 Jackson Wray (c)

9 Ivan van Zyl

10 Manu Vunipola

11 Max Malins

12 Duncan Taylor

13 Alex Lozowski

14 Alex Lewington

15 Elliot Daly

Replacements:

16 Kapeli Pifeleti

17 James Flynn

18 Alec Clarey

19 Alex Wardell

20 Andy Christie

21 Ruben de Haas

22 Josh Hallett

23 Alex Goode

Images & Content – Saracens Rugby


Premiership

SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU

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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


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Premiership

Falcons star to join Saracens

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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


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Premiership

WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA

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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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