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Premiership

Wasps Confirm Young Departure

Wasps have announced that director of rugby Dai Young will be leaving his post

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(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Wasps have confirmed that director of rugby Dai Young will be stepping down from his position after almost nine years at the helm.

The Premiership club announced that Young believes that he has taken them as far as he can and that a new face should take them into the future. 

Since his arrival in 2011 Young has overseen a transformation at the club leading them from second-last in the table to three successive play-off place finishes between 2016 and 2018, including a Premiership final in 2017 which they narrowly lost. 

That season saw him pick up the competition’s director of the season award and speaking upon his departure Young admitted that he has fond memories of his time at Wasps. 

“I am extremely proud of my record during my time at Wasps and was extremely honoured to receive the Director of Rugby of the Season award in 2017. It was proper recognition of all we had achieved as a squad leading up to that season. I am very proud of the part I played in developing players who have gone on to play for their countries, like Club Captain Joe Launchbury. It will be tough to leave a club and group of people that has meant so much to me over the past decade, but I feel this is the right time for both the Club and for myself,” he said. 

As well as his domestic transformation of the club he also managed to get them to three Champions Cup quarter-finals. 

The 52-year-old went on to thank everyone involved for their help over almost a decade of work at the club and wished them the best for the future. 

“I would like to thank all the players, past and present, and the staff I have worked with, especially my heads of department who have become like family. I would also like to thank the Wasps fans who have been unbelievable in their support of me and the Club, particularly during the tougher times. Their loyalty and support have meant a great deal to all of us and has made my journey even more special. It has been a fantastic experience for myself and my family. My wife April and I look forward to following Wasps in the future and supporting Thomas as proud parents from the stands. Wasps has been a huge part of my life and I wish everyone at the Club the best of luck for the future,” he finished. 

Club chairman Derek Richardson thanked Young for his hard work over the nine years and says he will always be remembered for what he has done at Wasps. 

“I’d like to place my sincere thanks on record to Dai for his hard work and support over the years. He has done a tremendous job and, in particular, I’d like to thank him for his advice and help when I first became involved with the Club, and also his support for the move to Coventry in 2014. We have enjoyed some very special moments and they will always be remembered fondly. I’d like to wish Dai all the best in his future endeavours. He will always be considered a Wasps Legend and will always be welcome at The Ricoh,” he said. 

It isn’t confirmed yet as to what Young’s next job will be, but reports last week claimed that he has already been contacted about taking over at the Ospreys as the club look to bounce back from a terrible season to date. 

While in his absence Wasps have also confirmed that the structure they announced last week will continue with Lee Blackett continuing as Interim Head Coach as they try to figure out what lies ahead.


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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Premiership

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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