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Sharks agree long-term deal with England u20s winger

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Former Worcester Warriors back Alex Wills has signed an academy contract until the end of the 2025/26 season

Sale Sharks have agreed a long-term deal to sign England under 20s back Alex Wills after the powerful winger impressed on trial.

The 18-year-old, who was part of the Worcester Warriors academy set-up, will join the Sharks academy immediately after signing a deal until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Former Hartpury College student Alex played his junior rugby for Worcester RFC and scored on his Warriors debut against Gloucester in round one of this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup.

A regular try-scorer for the Worcester Under-18s, Alex helped Hartpury win last season’s ACE League competition.

He received his first call-up for England under 18s in February and was selected, along with fellow Sharks Nye Thomas and Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, for an under 20s training camp in November.

Alex said: “I’m so excited to sign for Sale Sharks. This is a massive opportunity for me personally to push forward in my career.

“Ever since I was a young lad all I wanted was to play professional rugby and to be part of one of the best clubs in the Gallagher Premiership is amazing.

“I already feel at home here. Everyone has made me feel really welcome and I’m just looking forward to what’s to come over the next couple of years.”

Sharks’ Academy Manager Fergus Mulchrone said he was looking forward to working with Alex.

He said: “We’ve all been so impressed with Alex since he started training with us. He’s a big, strong winger in the Tom Roebuck mould and we believe he has the potential to become a really good player for this club.

“Everyone knows what happened to Worcester Warriors and I’m really pleased that we’re able to give Alex a chance to continue his promising rugby career.

“This club is built on a core of talented young, northern lads and Alex will only add to that. We’re all really excited to see what he can do.”

Images & Content from Sale Sharks 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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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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