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Waller decides makes decision on Northampton Saints future

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Alex Waller has put pen to paper on a deal to see the loosehead prop remain at Northampton Saints. The tenth most-capped player in Saints’ history and the Club’s record appearance holder in the professional era, Waller has made 349 appearances in Black, Green and Gold and scored 25 tries to date. The Kettering-born prop graduated from Saints’ Academy to make his senior debut in 2009 and despite already writing his named into Northampton’s history books after scoring an extra-time try to seal Saints’ first-ever Premiership title in 2014, Waller is looking forward to adding to his 14 seasons in a Saints shirt.“I’ve always had the ambition to be a one club man and to finish my career in a Saints shirt, so I’m chuffed to be staying in Northampton,” said Waller.  “I’m enjoying every minute of my rugby at the moment, and I think that’s showing on the pitch. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to contribute to this team, we’re in a great place and I love being out there with the lads. 

“There’s no better place to play than Franklin’s Gardens, there’s no better crowd than Saints supporters and I’m looking forward to making more memories here.”

The loosehead prop holds the Premiership record for most consecutive appearances in league history; his streak saw him star in Premiership and European matches across a number of seasons, taking a leading role in the run to the 2011 Heineken Cup final and the historic Premiership and Challenge Cup double in 2014. 

Waller took on co-captaincy of the Club ahead of the 2018/19 season and went on to hold that role for three years, lifting the Premiership Rugby Cup aloft in front of a packed-out cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens during that first campaign. 

While uncapped at senior level, Waller has represented England in a tour match against the Crusaders, in New Zealand, in the summer of 2014 and against the Barbarians at Twickenham in May 2015. 

“Alex’s record speaks for itself,” said Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson. “The milestones he’s hit this season alone show you exactly what kind of a player he is and how committed he is to this Club.

“The experience and leadership you get from a player like Alex is invaluable in the squad environment, he’s an incredibly hard worker, an excellent role model and a very good rugby player to boot – he’s exactly the kind of character you want in your team.

“Alex is also the perfect example of what a player coming through the Academy can achieve. His career has already been a very impressive one, but I know he’s determined to add some more silverware to his collection before he calls it a day and we’re delighted to see him sign on again.” 

Hinkley leaves Saints by mutual consent

Northampton Saints can confirm that Aaron Hinkley has left the Club by mutual consent. The back row forward arrived at cinch stadium at Franklin’s Gardens at the end of the 21/22 season, making 19 appearances in Black, Green and Gold.

Content & Images from – Northampton Saints 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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