Rugby fans in the Premiership may be seeing Tolu Latu back in Europe this summer, as the Tongan-born hooker has expressed interest in returning to the continent.
The Sale Sharks have been linked to Latu, who is currently on the market for a move to the Premiership.
Latu had previously spent two and a half seasons with Stade Francais in the Top 14 league, before returning to his former team, the New South Wales (NSW) Waratahs, in Australia. The move came after he was released by the Paris-based outfit at the end of last season.
The French giants were unhappy with his on-field discipline – given red cards with one resulting in an 11-week ban for a reckless tackle.
The 29-year-old has also been caught drink-driving twice – once in France and once in Australia during his six years with NSW.
Now, with only a deal for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign in place, Latu is reportedly keen on making a return to Europe. The Rugby Paper reports that the Sharks have expressed interest in signing him for the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old hooker has had a controversial past, with disciplinary issues on and off the field.
However, Sale Sharks director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, has acknowledged that there are risks involved in signing Latu, but emphasized that the Sharks are willing to take them
Sale Sharks confirm FOUR departures:
#1. Jono Ross - retiring
The back-row forward, who joined Sale in 2017 from French side Stade Francais, will return to his native South Africa with his young family.
Ross, 32, who has played more than 150 games for the Sharks, has agreed an early release from his contract.
He said: "I will miss running out at the AJ Bell, but at some point your body tells you when it's time to stop, and for me that time is now."
Sale Sharks player Jono Ross (C) during the Gallagher Rugby Premiership game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on October 3rd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
Ross told the club's website: "Since joining the club in 2017, Sale and Manchester have really become a home away from home for my family and I.
"We have absolutely loved our time at the club and living in Manchester. Both our children will have been born here so it will forever have a special place in our hearts."
#2. Ewan Ashman - Edinburgh
Highly-rated Scotland international hooker Ashman will join Edinburgh Rugby this summer on a four-year deal from Sale Sharks.
Reports emerged last wee that the Scottish Rugby Union made a six-figure offer to get the Premiership side to release the prop from his contract.
The 22-year-old – who had a short spell on loan at Edinburgh in 2019 – has so far earned seven caps for Scotland since making his international debut in 2021, scoring at the corner in acrobatic fashion to help secure a famous 15-13 win over Australia at BT Murrayfield Stadium.
A rising star for Premiership high-flyers Sharks, Ashman also excelled at age-grade level for Scotland – scoring 10 tries in 15 matches at U20 level – while the hooker has already made over 50 appearances at senior level for the Greater Manchester club.
Ashman said: “I’m buzzing to be joining Edinburgh, it’s a team I’ve always supported. As a city, Edinburgh has always felt like home. It’s where my family is from and I can’t wait to move back there.
“I loved my short stint at the club when I was younger. It’s a great group of boys and some of my best mates I played with at age grade are now at the core of the squad, which definitely played a factor in my decision to move.
“The ethos and energy around the club was also a big factor as I improved a lot during my time in Edinburgh.”
#3. Will Cliff - retiring
The 34-year-old fans’ favourite, who played his junior rugby at Sandbach, made his Sharks debut in 2007 and has played more than 200 games for the club.
He made his first team debut in 2007 against Bath in the EDF Cup at Edgeley Park and went on to play 113 times for the club before joining Bristol ahead of the 2015/16 season.
After two years in the South West, Will rejoined Sharks in 2017 and went on to make a further 120 appearances before making the decision to retire.
Will said: “It feels like the right time to be hanging up my boots. It’s daunting and emotional because this is all I’ve done since I left school, but I’ve had a brilliant career and there’s nothing I’d change.
“It’s been so special to play so many times for my childhood club. I can remember watching Sale at Edgeley Park with my dad as child and I don’t think I ever dreamed I would get to pull on the shirt once, let alone play so many times.
“I’ve made friends for life and I’ve got memories that will last a lifetime, from both on and off the pitch. The best memories are from big wins against some of the best teams in Europe, and games when maybe relegation was on the line and we’ve all pulled together and won.
“It’s meant everything to play for Sale and after 16 years it’s going to be difficult to take my nametag off my locker. There’s lot about this lifestyle and this club that I’ll miss but I can’t wait to come back and watch the boys and I’m really excited about what’s coming next for me and for the club.”
#4. Byron McGuigan - retiring
The 33-year-old joined the Sharks from Exeter Chiefs in 2016 and has made more than 100 appearances for them.
"It feels bittersweet really; I have had a great career, but I'm really excited for what lies ahead," he told the club website.
"I'm very fortunate to have had the career I have had."
Born in Namibia, McGuigan represented Scotland - who he qualifies for through his mother - 10 times.
He could now represent the country of his birth in this autumn's World Cup before hanging up his boots.
