Sale Sharks confirm FOUR first team leavers, list includes Manu Tuilagi
Rugby NewsWednesday, 08 May 2024 at 19:01
Sale Sharks are bidding farewell to several key players this summer, as three have already announced their move to new clubs for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Cameron Neild to Newcastle
The 29-year-old has played more than 130 times for his home town club during a career which has also seen the abrasive back-rower featuring for Edinburgh, Glasgow and Worcester Warriors.
“Cam is a very good Premiership operator who has played over a century of games in the competition,” said consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond, speaking about the 6 foot 1 forward who has represented England at Under-20s, 18s and 16s levels.
“I’ve had him at quite a few clubs now so he is obviously a player I rate very highly, and he’s been unfortunate with some of the players he’s been behind during that time.
“At Sale he had the Curry brothers and at Edinburgh and Glasgow he was vying with established internationals, but he’s always given a great account of himself whenever he’s been called upon.
“He brings a wealth of experience and he fits the mould of the players we’re trying to bring in at the moment. He has that hard edge about him, he’s not past his sell-by date and he’s got that real work ethic which is a great fit as we look to move this Newcastle Falcons squad forward.”
Manu Tuilagi To Bayonne
The 32-year-old centre is leaving Sale Sharks at the end of the season and has signed a two-year deal with Top 14 side Bayonne.
His 60th cap in England’s Six Nations loss to France in March ended a 13-year international career following the Samoan-born star’s naturalisation.
RFU rules state players leaving the Premiership are not eligible for international selection.
Manu Tuilagi of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 27 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Cobus Wiese to Bulls
The 26-year-old forward has been a key feature for his Premiership club, playing more than 3,720 minutes in 77* matches.
Director of rugby, Jake White says Wiese’s arrival at Loftus will add more energy and experience to the locker room.
“We take pride in attracting quality players into our fold and we are extremely happy to bring a player of Cobus’s ability to the Vodacom Bulls. He is a talented lock who can play at flank too, so he is versatile and that adds to our arsenal. I do not doubt that he also brings experience with him, having spent these past few years in England and that will be an added bonus for our team as we continue to compete in the North,
“It is great to have more quality South African rugby players returning to the country to play their rugby here, this will benefit our overall product in the competitions we play. It also adds more depth to available options and improves the quality of the game that fans get to see,”
“We cannot wait to welcome Cobus home.”
Sam James
Lifelong Sharks fan Sam, 29, joined Sale in 2012 and made his first team debut a year later, seven years after he was a ball boy for the club at Edgeley Park.
In an open letter to the Sharks fans, Sam said: “I’ve grown up supporting this club and to even play one game was genuinely a dream come true. I’ll always be a Sale Sharks supporter and the decision to leave has been a really tough one for not just me, but my whole family. But the time is right to take on a new challenge.
“It’s so tough to leave a brilliant group of lads behind. I’ve played with some amazing players but this group is as good as any. I’ve built up some amazing relationships and I know they’re friendships that will continue wherever we’re all playing.
“I’m leaving a club that’s really on the up and I’ve got no doubt that we’ll go on to win plenty of trophies in the next few years. I can’t wait to watch it all as a fan. The club has changed so much in the years I’ve been here and we’ve become a proper powerhouse. I’m so proud to have played a small part in that.”
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading
