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TEAM NEWS | Sale Sharks v London Irish

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England star Raffi Quirke returns to the Sharks’ starting line-up for the first time in six months and Sam Hill makes his first Premiership start this season as Alex Sanderson’s men go in search of a fifth successive league win against London Irish under the Friday night lights at the AJ Bell Stadium (Friday, October 14, 7.45pm KO – live on BT Sport).

Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman also features from the start for the first time this season while Dan du Preez and captain Ben Curry return to action as the Sharks Director of Rugby makes five changes for the round six clash against Declan Kidney’s men in front of the BT Sport cameras.

Academy graduate Ashman packs down between Nick Schonert and England prop Bevan Rodd in a powerful Sharks front row.

In the second row, Jonny Hill lines up alongside Jean-Luc du Preez who switches from the number eight shirt he wore in the win at Premiership champions Leicester in round four.

Twin brother Dan is back in his familiar position at number eight for Friday’s game, and he’s flanked by another set of twins – captain Ben Curry at blindside flanker and brother Tom at openside.

In the half-backs, Raffi Quirke lines up at scrum-half after his electric cameo at Mattioli Woods Welford Road last weekend, and he’s joined by the in-form Rob du Preez at fly-half.

After an injury plagued 2021/22 season, fit-again Sam Hill starts at inside centre and he’s partnered by the ever-present Sam James at 13.

And after an impressive showing against Leicester, the back three is unchanged as Joe Carpenter takes his place in between Tom O’Flaherty and Tom Roebuck.

Akker van der Merwe, Simon McIntyre and Coenie Oosthuizen provide power and front-row experience on the replacements bench, and further forwards cover comes from Josh Beaumont and Jono Ross.

The backs are covered by academy graduates Gus Warr, Tom Curtis and Arron Reed.

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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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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