Premiership
Sleightholme to bring up Saints half century against Falcons
Director of Rugby Phil Dowson has made six changes to his Northampton Saints side for this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership clash against Newcastle Falcons, with Ollie Sleightholme bringing up his 50th Club appearance and Rory Hutchinson, David Ribbans and James Grayson all returning to the starting line-up.The men in Black, Green and Gold have won seven of their last eight matches at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in all competitions, and will be looking to add to that tally on Saturday afternoon (kick-off: 3pm, broadcast on PRTV Live).Saints enter the clash sitting sixth in the standings, but will be wary of a dangerous Newcastle side who have upset Northampton on six of the last 12 meetings between the clubs in all competitions.Fraser Dingwall will captain the side and is joined in the midfield by Scotland international Hutchinson, while Tom Collins also comes into the starting XV on the wing with half-centurion Sleightholme and fullback George Furbank keeping their places in the back three from last weekend’s win over Wasps.James Grayson starts at fly-half for Northampton, replacing the injured Dan Biggar, but Alex Mitchell continues in the No.9 jersey for the sixth straight league match.Meanwhile there are also three changes in Saints’ pack as No.8 Juarno Augustus returns to the back row, with Aaron Hinkley outside him at flanker and Ribbans coming into the engine room.Alex Coles – scorer of two tries last time out – continues on the openside flank and Alex Moon keeps his place in the second row as well, with the front row also unchanged as props Alex Waller and Paul Hill pack down either side of Sam Matavesi.There’s plenty of experience packed onto the hosts’ bench as internationals Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lewis Ludlam, Matt Proctor and Callum Braley will look to make an impact later in the contest, while England Under-20s fullback George Hendy is set for just his second Gallagher Premiership appearance if he enters the action.NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs NEWCASTLE FALCONSGallagher Premiership Rugby, Round 6Saturday 15 October 2022cinch Stadium at Franklin’s GardensKick-off: 3pm15 George Furbank14 Tom Collins13 Fraser Dingwall (c)12 Rory Hutchinson11 Ollie Sleightholme – 50th Saints appearance10 James Grayson9 Alex Mitchell1 Alex Waller2 Sam Matavesi3 Paul Hill4 David Ribbans5 Alex Moon6 Alex Coles7 Aaron Hinkley8 Juarno AugustusReplacements:16 Robbie Smith17 Ethan Waller18 Alfie Petch19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto20 Lewis Ludlam21 Callum Braley22 Matt Proctor23 George HendyNot considered for selection:Matthew Arden, Dan Biggar, Callum Burns, Tommy Freeman, Joseph Gaffan, Aston Gradwick-Light, Mike Haywood, Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, Courtney Lawes, Courtnall Skosan, and Karl Wilkins.Referee: Jack MakepeaceAssistant Referees: Anthony Woodthorpe and Jamie LeahyNo.4: Neil ChiversTMO: Andrew Jackson
Director of Rugby Phil Dowson has made six changes to his Northampton Saints side for this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership clash against Newcastle Falcons, with Ollie Sleightholme bringing up his 50th Club appearance and Rory Hutchinson, David Ribbans and James Grayson all returning to the starting line-up.
The men in Black, Green and Gold have won seven of their last eight matches at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in all competitions, and will be looking to add to that tally on Saturday afternoon (kick-off: 3pm, broadcast on PRTV Live).
Saints enter the clash sitting sixth in the standings, but will be wary of a dangerous Newcastle side who have upset Northampton on six of the last 12 meetings between the clubs in all competitions.
Fraser Dingwall will captain the side and is joined in the midfield by Scotland international Hutchinson, while Tom Collins also comes into the starting XV on the wing with half-centurion Sleightholme and fullback George Furbank keeping their places in the back three from last weekend’s win over Wasps.
James Grayson starts at fly-half for Northampton, replacing the injured Dan Biggar, but Alex Mitchell continues in the No.9 jersey for the sixth straight league match.
Meanwhile there are also three changes in Saints’ pack as No.8 Juarno Augustus returns to the back row, with Aaron Hinkley outside him at flanker and Ribbans coming into the engine room.
Alex Coles – scorer of two tries last time out – continues on the openside flank and Alex Moon keeps his place in the second row as well, with the front row also unchanged as props Alex Waller and Paul Hill pack down either side of Sam Matavesi.
There’s plenty of experience packed onto the hosts’ bench as internationals Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lewis Ludlam, Matt Proctor and Callum Braley will look to make an impact later in the contest, while England Under-20s fullback George Hendy is set for just his second Gallagher Premiership appearance if he enters the action.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs NEWCASTLE FALCONS
Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Round 6
Saturday 15 October 2022
cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
Kick-off: 3pm
15 George Furbank
14 Tom Collins
13 Fraser Dingwall (c)
12 Rory Hutchinson
11 Ollie Sleightholme – 50th Saints appearance
10 James Grayson
9 Alex Mitchell
1 Alex Waller
2 Sam Matavesi
3 Paul Hill
4 David Ribbans
5 Alex Moon
6 Alex Coles
7 Aaron Hinkley
8 Juarno Augustus
Replacements:
16 Robbie Smith
17 Ethan Waller
18 Alfie Petch
19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
20 Lewis Ludlam
21 Callum Braley
22 Matt Proctor
23 George Hendy
Not considered for selection:
Matthew Arden, Dan Biggar, Callum Burns, Tommy Freeman, Joseph Gaffan, Aston Gradwick-Light, Mike Haywood, Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, Courtney Lawes, Courtnall Skosan, and Karl Wilkins.
Referee: Jack Makepeace
Assistant Referees: Anthony Woodthorpe and Jamie Leahy
No.4: Neil Chivers
TMO: Andrew Jackson
Content & Images from – 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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