The 12 New Signings That Could Transform Sale Sharks Into Title Winners

Friday, 19 June 2026 at 17:00

bySteven Smith

Sale have arguably put together the most impressive recruitment drive in the Gallagher PREM ahead of 2026/27. Here's a quick breakdown of what each signing brings:

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Joe Marchant (Centre/Wing, Stade Français)

A huge coup. The 26-cap England international is returning from France with ambitions of forcing his way back into Steve Borthwick's plans. Marchant offers elite pace, defensive organisation and versatility across the backline.

The 29-year-old was a key part of England's 2023 World Cup squad and won the Premiership with Harlequins.

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Nicky Smith (Loosehead Prop, Leicester Tigers)

One of the best scrummaging looseheads in the Premiership over the last two seasons. The experienced Wales international was named in the Premiership Team of the Season and gives Sale serious power up front.

Tomas Francis (Tighthead Prop, Provence)

An 80+ cap Welsh international who returns to the Premiership after spells with Exeter, Ospreys and Provence. At 135kg, Francis adds experience, scrum dominance and leadership.

Alex Lozowski (Centre/Fly-half, Saracens)

A classy operator capable of playing 10, 12, 13 or full-back. Lozowski brings game management, goal-kicking and vast experience from Saracens' trophy-winning era.

Ponepati Loganimasi (Wing, Fijian Drua)

One of the most exciting attacking talents in world rugby. A Fiji Sevens star blessed with frightening pace and footwork. He could quickly become one of the Premiership's most entertaining players.

Elia Canakaivata (Back Row, Fijian Drua)

A powerful Olympic Sevens medallist who transitioned successfully into the 15-man game. Brings explosive carrying ability and athleticism to Sale's pack.

Cebo Dlamini (Prop, Griquas)

A powerful young South African front-rower. Sale have a strong track record of identifying South African talent and Dlamini looks another long-term project with significant upside.

Christ Tshiunza (Lock/Back Row, Exeter Chiefs)

Still only 24 and already an established Wales international. Tshiunza offers versatility, athleticism and lineout quality. Many see him as one of the highest-ceiling forwards in British rugby.

Courtney Lawes (Lock/Back Row, Brive)

The headline signing. A 100-cap England legend and former captain returning from France. Even at 37, Lawes remains an elite lineout operator, defensive leader and one of rugby's most respected figures. His arrival immediately upgrades Sale's leadership group.

David Opoku-Fordjour (Wing, Coventry)

A highly-rated young English outside back. Sale see him as a development player with genuine Premiership potential.

JJ Scheepers (Lock, Pumas)

A physical South African second-row who adds depth and ballast to the engine room. Fits the traditional Sale blueprint of hard-working, abrasive forwards.

Xavier Roe (Scrum-half, Chiefs)

A particularly interesting signing. Roe arrives from Super Rugby after impressing with the Chiefs. Quick service, strong kicking game and likely viewed as Raffi Quirke's replacement. Many Sale supporters see him as one of the smartest pieces of business this summer.

Overall Verdict

If all these signings hit, Sale's strongest XV could be stronger than the one that reached the Premiership final in 2023. The front row of Smith and Francis, the addition of Lawes and Tshiunza, plus the arrival of Marchant and Lozowski, gives Alex Sanderson proven international quality throughout the squad. On paper, they look genuine title contenders alongside Bath Rugby and Saracens for 2026/27.