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Williams Leaves Saracens Earlier than Expected

Wales full-back Liam Williams will depart the Saracens set-up earlier than first thought it has been confirmed

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(Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images)

Wales full-back Liam Williams will leave Saracens and rejoin the Scarlets with immediate effect it has been announced.

The 28-year-old has been on the books at Sarries for the past two and a half years but it was confirmed in December that he would leave the club at the end of the season to link-up with his former employers as Saracens attempt to trip their wage bill following their breach of the salary cap rules. 

However, it has now been confirmed that Williams will join Scarlets straight after the conclusion of the Six Nations, where he is currently training with Wales. 

Speaking on the move the back-liner admitted he is looking forward to a return to the PRO14 club. 

“I’m really excited about returning to the Scarlets and would like to thank everyone involved for their support in making it happen. I’ve had a fantastic few years at Saracens and will take some very happy memories away with me. I’ve been working hard on my recovery and can’t wait to get back on the pitch,” he said. 

Williams has been out of action since October when he picked up an injury at the Rugby World Cup and is yet to feature for Wales in this year’s Six Nations, but it is hoped a return to play is near. 

Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar is delighted to have a player of Williams’ quality come in to his squad. 

“Liam is a world-class player and man, a huge favourite at Parc y Scarlets and we are thrilled to welcome Liam and Sophie back to the Scarlets. To have Liam joining our exciting group of outside backs this season is superb. I’m also thrilled for Liam that his rehab is almost complete. Obviously, his immediate availability for us will depend on how Wayne wants to play it during the Six Nations and we look forward to seeing Liam back at Parc y Scarlets in due course,” he said. 

During his time at Allianz Park Williams picked up two Premiership titles and a Champions Cup medal to add to his Grand Slam with Wales last year. 

His return to the Scarlets is a massive boost as he is one of the best players on the planet when fully fit and will add huge experience and quality to their team as they look to the future.


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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