Premiership
Wasps lose another International player.. and he’s off to Gloucester
Great signing and even better signing video
Gloucester Rugby today confirmed via their website that England International Scrum-Half Joe Simpson will join the club from Wasps ahead of the 2019/20 season.
They announced the news on Twitter with this excellent ‘signing video’
Simpson has been one of the most consistent performers over the past decade in the Premiership, making in excess of 200 performances for Wasps having graduated from their Academy.
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He has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the top number nines in the Premiership. He possesses an eye for a gap, the pace to exploit it as well as a superb tactical kicking game and quality service off either hand.
And, according to Gloucester Rugby’s Director of Rugby David Humphreys, his ability and experience will be a valuable addition to the first team squad.
“As we seek to build a squad that is capable of competing for honours at the highest level of the domestic and European game, strength in depth in our squad is crucial. And the addition of Joe to our ranks is a very significant one.
“His background speaks for itself, he has been one of the top performing scrum-halves throughout his career at
“Joe’s signing means that we will have significant experience and ability at the scrum-half position next season and we’re all very much looking forward to seeing him in Cherry and White.”
Simpson himself confirmed that he’s looking forward to a new challenge, but still has unfinished business at Wasps.
“I’m excited about joining Gloucester Rugby next season. They are a team on the rise and play an entertaining brand of rugby. I’ve spoken to friends at the club and they have reinforced this.
“I believe the squad that they are assembling is one that is capable of challenging at the top. I feel like the move has come at the right time for me and I am looking forward to starting a new challenge.
“It goes without saying that I will give my all to Wasps until the end of the season and hopefully I can finish on a high note.”
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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