Connect with us

Premiership

Wilson Secures Loan Move to Premiership Side

England back-rower Mark Wilson has signed a season long loan with a Premiership club

Published

on

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Newcastle’s Mark Wilson has signed a season long loan move with Premiership side Sale Sharks following the Falcons’ relegation to the Championship. 

The 29-year-old will switch the Falcons’, whom he has been at since 2010, for the Sharks for the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season with a view to returning to Newcastle the following season.

Wilson was only selected for England in 2017 following a number of impressive seasons and will more than likely be on the plane to Japan for the Rugby World Cup meaning he will join-up at Carrington after.

Sale boss Steve Diamond is delighted to have been able to bring in Wilson and is hoping to see Newcastle back in the Premiership next season.

“We’re delighted to secure Mark’s services for the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season. It’s going to be a big year for us and it’s not often a current England International becomes available, so we jumped at the chance to loan him from the Falcons when the opportunity arose. We wish Mark good luck in his pre-season training with England and look forward to welcoming him at Carrington after the completion of the World Cup. I would also like to wish Newcastle all the best with their season and look forward to hopefully having them back alongside us representing the north in the Gallagher Premiership in the near future,” he said.

Having made 224 appearances for the Falcons, Newcastle boss Dean Richards has no problem letting his star man leave so that he can continue playing for the national side.

“This has not been an easy decision for Mark because he is very loyal to the Falcons, but at the same time we understand he has to think about his England selection. Playing Premiership rugby gives him the best possible chance of maintaining his place in the national squad. As disappointing as it is to lose a player of his ability for a season we fully understand Mark’s reasoning in reaching this decision,” he said.

Richards also believes that the Falcons will be back in the Premiership next season and is already looking forward to welcoming Wilson back.

“Even in his absence we believe we have a squad capable of earning promotion back into the Premiership at the first attempt, without taking anything for granted, after which point we would look forward to welcoming Mark back into the fold. I don’t think anyone can question Mark’s loyalty after making 224 appearances for the club and the manner in which he has conducted himself throughout that time. We wish him and Sale all the best for the coming season,” he added.

Wilson will face a lot of competition at Sale for a spot in the team, but that will only raise his game and give him a bigger chance of turning out for the national side.


Premiership

SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU

Published

on

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


Continue Reading

Premiership

Falcons star to join Saracens

Published

on

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


Continue Reading

Premiership

WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA

Published

on

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


Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending