Premiership
Skivington aims to kick off the new year in style against league leaders Saracens
Gloucester Rugby welcome table topping Saracens to Kingsholm in their first game of 2023 on Friday 6 January (7.45pm KO). Head Coach George Skivington says his side are relishing the challenge of taking on the league leaders.
“Sarries are top of the table, and they play some good rugby. They were very impressive on Saturday against Exeter and they’re littered with superstars, so we know the challenge in front of us is going to be tough, they’ve got a good all-round game, but we are excited for it.”
The Cherry & Whites ended 2022 in dramatic fashion, when a last-minute penalty from Santi Carreras saw them claim four points with a win over London Irish at Kingsholm. Skivington was impressed with the game management of his side in poor conditions.
“It was torrential conditions, there was a lot of ball down and ball to be recovered, but I thought the boys’ effort was outstanding. Ben Meehan’s kicking game was outstanding, and we executed a good pressure game.”
Despite being happy with the result, Skivington admits there are still areas to improve.
“The was a few bits that didn’t quite fire as we hoped, and we didn’t capitalise on all the pressure we put them under, but we built ourselves back into the game and Santi’s kick to win it at the end was brilliant.”
But a win is a win and Skivington praised his players determination and work ethic, that saw them fight until the very end.
“It shows the mettle of the lads, they stayed on task and with 8 minutes to go and a man down and the message for them was to just stick to the plan and build and get us an opportunity to win the game.
“They’re a really tight unit and they work unbelievably hard for each other. To stick to the plan when they were a man down, against one of the best attacking teams in the league, really showed what they’re about and I was really pleased for them at the end.”
Kingsholm was sold out on New Year’s Eve and tickets are selling fast for this Friday’s game against Saracens. Skivington is looking forward to welcoming the Cherry & Whites fans back to Kingsholm.
“The crowd at the New Year’s Eve game was outstanding, the silence for Santi’s kick and the roar when it went over, it doesn’t get much better than that!
“We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Kingsholm again, and hopefully it will be as loud and as exciting as it was last weekend.”
Tickets for Fridays game at home against Saracens are available here.
Content & Images from – Gloucester 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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