Sport24 in South Africa has confirmed that forward Cobus Wiese will depart the Stormers, and have reported that he will join Sale Sharks.
This follows the 21-day window period that gave South African players an opportunity to exit their existing contracts.
Stormers coach John Dobson says he is delighted to retain most of his squad while confirming that Cobus Wiese and Jean-Luc du Plessis will be heading overseas.https://t.co/7iyFa2JL4z
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) May 21, 2020
The former Junior Springbok had agreed to join Saracens and European champions next season but has had second thoughts following their relegation.
Wiese will now instead join Jono Ross, Faf de Klerk, Lood de Jager, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Akker van der Merwe, Coenie Oosthuizen and Rob, Dan and Jean-Luc du Preez at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Harlequins were also reportedly in the mix for the back-rower.
LIST | 5 Sale Sharks signings who were meant to be the business…but weren’t
Sale Sharks have occasionally suffered misfortune in the transfer market when it comes to exciting signings that ultimately proved disappointing.
We’ve gone from the inception of the Premiership in 1997/98 because, as you all know, that’s when club rugby ‘started’.
1. Mark Wilson
This loan move seemed to make perfect sense, but due to a number of factors it hasn’t really worked out. Undergoing knee surgery immediately following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Sharks fans didn’t see him debut until a 30 minute cameo against Saracens in early February. Recalled by Eddie Jones for the Six Nations after making just one start for Sale, his loan expires on June 30. After that date, he is due to return to Newcastle and can no longer play for Sale if the season were to be extended into July.