Sale Sharks have landed a major coup for next season, securing the signature of South African centre Marius Louw from the Emirates Lions.
Find your local Greene King and settle in to the Six Nations!
The 29-year-old midfield enforcer, who captains the Lions regularly, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, adding serious firepower to Alex Sanderson’s squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
“It just felt right” – Louw on his big move
A Bloemfontein native, Louw has spent his entire career in South Africa, first with the HollywoodBet Sharks before switching to the Lions in 2022. But despite having no plans to leave Johannesburg, Sale’s approach changed everything.
“When Sale got in touch, it was an incredible feeling,” Louw admitted. “For a club like that to want me, it just felt like the right move at the right time.”
A meeting with Alex Sanderson sealed the deal.
“We had such a good talk about the club’s culture, the city, and how they’re making a real difference in the community,” he revealed. “When the contract came through, I can’t even explain how it felt. Sale has a rich history, incredible players, and passionate fans—I just can’t wait to be part of it.”
Alex Sanderson: “He makes everyone around him better”
Sharks’ Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson couldn’t hide his excitement about the signing, hailing Louw’s impact on one of South Africa’s best backlines.
“We’re getting an experienced centre whose collision dominance is world-class,” Sanderson said. “He’s a leader, a captain, and someone who makes those around him look brilliant.”
With Sale’s young backline stacked with emerging talent, Sanderson believes Louw’s experience will be a game-changer.
“Our style of play suits him, but he’ll also bring so much to our younger guys. When we talk to a player, it’s always about values and the person they are—and Marius ticks every box.”
“This is a perfect fit. We’ve got a real player here.”
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Jonny Wilkinson didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent
England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?
The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most “hated” facing during his career.
#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu’s one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.
WILKINSON SAID: “One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”
DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999
#4. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.
WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”
DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player
#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.
DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in ‘greatest ever’ sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached
