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Premiership

Wasps sign All Black Back-Rower

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Wasps are delighted to announce the signing of All Black lock and flanker Vaea Fifita, who will join the Club for next season from the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The 29-year-old has 11 caps for the All Blacks, after making an eye-catching debut against Samoa in 2017.

A player with immense speed for his size, Fifita will be invaluable at the lineout for Wasps, with his impressive athleticism seeing him make the most lineout steals (22) of any New Zealand player in Super Rugby since the beginning of 2016.

Like current Wasp and former All Black Malakai Fekitoa, Fifita was born in raised in Tonga, before moving to New Zealand for school.

Fifita won the Super Rugby title alongside current Wasps Brad Shields and Jeff Toomaga-Allen with the Hurricanes in 2016.

The 6ft 5in forward has played over 50 games for the Canes, while also appearing for the Wellington Lions with his soon-to-be teammates again. 

In June 2017, Fifita started at blindside flanker for the Hurricanes against the British and Irish lions and scored a crucial try with ten minutes left to help the Wellington side draw 31-31. 

Fifita was given his first test start for the All Blacks in September 2017, against Argentina. The 111kg forward had one of the standout performances of his career so far, scoring his second test try in spectacular fashion. Fifita sprinted in from 40m, out-running winger, Santiago Cordero and fullback Joaquín Tuculet. He was awarded Man of the Match in the All Blacks’ 39-22 win.

Wasps Men’s Head Coach Lee Blackett said: “We have been looking for a quality lock and back-rower and Vaea fits the bill perfectly. We are therefore delighted to be able to bring an experienced international forward like him on board for next season.

“We are all excited to work with him and the strong group of forwards we have at the Club for next season.”

Fifita added: “I am proud to be joining one of the most historic rugby clubs in the world.

“I can’t wait to get started on what promises to be a very exciting journey with Wasps. I will be working hard to help the team achieve as much success as possible.

“My family and I look forward to experiencing everything that England has to offer.”


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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