Premiership
TEAM NEWS | Sale Sharks v Harlequins
Manu Tuilagi returns to the Sharks starting line-up and he’s joined by four more England stars as Alex Sanderson makes three changes to his side to face Harlequins on Sunday in front of both the ITV and BT Sport cameras (live on BT Sport, ITV – 3pm KO).
Lock Cobus Wiese also returns to the XV after a week off and Jono Ross captains the side as Sharks go in search of eight wins out of eight against Tabai Matson’s men.
An ankle injury to Akker van der Merwe means an unchanged front-row will line up against Quins, as academy graduate Ewan Ashman packs down between Nick Schonert and round six man of the match Bevan Rodd once again.
In the second row, Jonny Hill resumes his partnership with the returning Wiese.
And in the back row Tom Curry, who recorded the most turnovers (five) across the league in round six lines up at openside flanker alongside skipper Ross and Dan du Preez at number eight.
Fresh from a week training with England, Raffi Quirke starts again at scrum-half, and he’s joined by the Premiership’s top points scorer Rob du Preez at fly-half.
After missing the win against London Irish, Tuilagi will wear the 12 shirt against Quins, with the ever-present Sam James at outside centre.
The back three is unchanged as round six try-scorer Joe Carpenter takes his place in between Tom O’Flaherty and Tom Roebuck.
Tommy Taylor, Simon McIntyre and James Harper provide power and front-row experience on the replacements bench, and further forwards cover comes from Josh Beaumont and Jean-Luc du Preez.
The backs are covered by academy graduates Gus Warr and Arron Reed, as well as Sam Hill, who played 80 minutes for the first time in more than two years against the Exiles.
Sale Sharks Starting XV:
15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Manu Tuilagi, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. Robert du Preez, 9. Raffi Quirke; 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Ewan Ashman, 3. Nick Schonert, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. Jono Ross ©, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Daniel du Preez
Replacements:
16. Tommy Taylor, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. James Harper, 19. Josh Beaumont, 20. Jean-Luc du Preez, 21. Gus Warr, 22. Sam Hill, 23. Arron Reed
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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.
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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.
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