Premiership
Tigers star ruled out for 6 months with leg-break.
6 Months out.
Leicester Tigers outside back Sam Aspland-Robinson has been ruled out of action for up to six months after fracturing his tibia in the European Challenge Cup win over Pau at Welford Road.
The 22-year-old suffered the leg injury in the opening minutes of the European fixture and was replaced by George Worth after being assisted from the field by Tigers medical staff.
Aspland-Robinson was playing in just his second match of the 2019/20 season after suffering a foot injury in the opening game of the Premiership Rugby Cup, away to Worcester Warriors at Sixways Stadium.
Speaking about the loss of Aspland-Robinson, Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy admitted he was “gutted” to see the young back facing another length period on the sideline.
“At this stage, we don’t expect to see Sam back until well into the New Year,” said Murphy.
“He had an x-ray following the match which showed a fracture and will meet with a surgeon, who will help determine as to whether he needs surgery and the full extent of the injury.
“We’re all gutted for Sam, he’s worked hard to get his way back into the side. he had a great pre-season and has been waiting for his opportunity since Worcester. He’s been training brilliantly and I was excited to get him out against Pau.
“What we do know is that he will put everything into his rehab and return fitter and stronger.”
Aspland-Robinson is in his second season in Leicester after joining the Tigers from Harlequins over the summer of 2018, making 12 appearances during his debut campaign with the club.
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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