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Sharks name team to face Leicester Tigers

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Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Alex Sanderson believes tomorrow night’s match with Leicester Tigers will be the first real test of the progress he has made with his Sale Sharks squad since joining the club as Director of Rugby in January. 

The Sharks supremo makes eight changes to his starting XV and names a highly experienced side to face the Tigers as the he looks to guide Sale to their first Gallagher Premiership semi-final since 2006.

In an abrasive Sharks front row, rising star Bevan Rodd takes his place at loosehead prop alongside multi-capped Springboks Akker van der Merwe and Coenie Oosthuizen who line up at hooker and tighthead respectively.

Josh Beaumont returns to action following a break last weekend and captains the Sharks from second row alongside Cobus Wiese, who will feature against his older brother Jasper on Friday night.

The devastating combination of Tom Curry, alongside Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez in the Sale back row will provide plenty of entertainment for Sharks fans as they go toe to toe with a powerful Leicester pack.

Faf de Klerk links back up with AJ MacGinty to form a familiar half-back partnership for tomorrow night’s Premiership Rugby clash, and the pair have plenty of options outside them as Sam Hill, Marland Yarde and Luke James all return to the Sale back line.

Hill lines up at inside centre alongside Sam James at thirteen, whilst the Sharks name Byron McGuigan, Yarde and Luke James in their back three.

Six academy graduates feature on a replacement bench brimming with northern talent as Ross Harrsion, Ewan Ashman, Cameron Neild, Raffi Quirke, Kieran Wilkinson and Connor Doherty all play their part on Friday.

Speaking at his press conference during the week, Alex was full of praise for a much-improved Tigers outfit, he said: “This is a really good test of this group, of where we’re at and how far we’ve come with all the work we’ve done.

“This is the first return game we’ve had since I have been involved with these lads so it will be a great marker for us, against a much-improved side under Steve Borthwick.

“We are under no illusions that although we think we have improved and we want to show that and test ourselves and our progress, it’s going to be a real battle against a really good side so it’s a big challenge for us.”

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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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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