Premiership
Team named for Champions Cup round two against Leinster in Dublin
George Skivington has made 13 changes to the starting XV that beat Bordeaux at Kingsholm last week, with an exciting blend of youth and experienced players set to challenge the four-time European champions, Leinster, in Dublin tomorrow evening.
Full back Lloyd Evans and wing Alex Hearle are the only remaining starters from round one, they’re joined by Jake Morris, who replaces Jonny May.
Billy Twelvetrees made a big impact of the bench against Bordeaux, he comes in to the centre and is partnered with Giorgi Kveseladze in the Georgian’s first game for the Cherry & Whites since the Autumn internationals.
Ben Meehan captains the side at scrum-half with George Barton starting at 10.
In the forwards, Harry Elrington, Henry Walker and Ciaran Knight form the front row, Knight impressed at scrum time after coming on for the injured Fraser Balmain against Bordeaux.
Freddie Thomas and Arthur Clark start in the second-row with Jake Polledri, Jack Clement and last week’s Star of the Match, Albert Tuisue in the back-row.
Alex Craig and Harry Taylor will make their return from injury from the bench where they join Seb Blake, Alex Seville, Kirill Gotovtsev, Charlie Chapman, Seb Atkinson and Kyle Moyle.
The game kicks off at 8pm tomorrow at the RDS Arena in Dublin and will be shown live on BT Sport.
Team News
15. Lloyd Evans*
14. Alex Hearle
13. Giorgi Kveseladze
12. Billy Twelvetrees
11. Jake Morris*
10. George Barton*
9. Ben Meehan (C)
1. Harry Elrington
2. Henry Walker*
3. Ciaran Knight*
4. Freddie Thomas*
5. Arthur Clark*
6. Jake Polledri*
7. Jack Clement*
8. Albert Tuisue
16. Seb Blake*
17. Alex Seville*
18. Kirill Gotovtsev
19. Alex Craig*
20. Harry Taylor*
21. Charlie Chapman*
22. Seb Atkinson
23. Kyle Moyle
*Denotes academy graduate.
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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