Rugby transfers and rumours: Sharks add more Springboks, Wales star heads to the Premiership and Tuilagi’s replacement
Springboks prop Trevor Nyakane, Wales' fly-half Gareth Anscombe and Fiji centre Waisea Nayacalevu.
The Sharks have bolstered their ranks with the addition of two more Springboks, a move that signals their determination to turn the tide.
In other news, Gloucester has secured the services of a Wales international, and Sale Sharks are gearing up for a post-Manu Tuilagi era, all in the latest rugby transfers and rumours.
With the domestic rugby season in the northern hemisphere having passed the midway point, clubs are looking to ramp up their recruitment ahead of the 2024/25 season.
We recap some of the top stories so far this week.
Sharks sign Springboks
The Durban-based Sharks continue their recruitment ahead of next season as they look to turn things around.
They currently prop up the United Rugby Championship log after just one win from 11 games but have gone to work on the player market, having already confirmed four new signings.
Having already announced the arrivals of fly-half Jordan Hendrikse and back-rower Emmanuel Tshituka from the Lions, the pair joining brothers Jaden and Vincent at the Sharks next season, two Springbok recruits have been confirmed.
On Tuesday, the Sharks announced the arrival of Leinster lock Jason Jenkins after the Bok forward was not offered a contract renewal in Dublin, with RG Snyman set to join the side.
The news of the lock’s arrival ahead of next season is paired with Wednesday’s announcement that double World Cup-winning prop Trevor Nyakane will join the Sharks from Racing 92. Like Jenkins, it is reported that Nyakane was not offered a contract renewal at his club but is also planning a coaching career post-retirement, which he hopes to pursue when he links up with the side.
If not Siya Kolisi, who will captain the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus?
Both players previously represented the Bulls, with the Sharks set to be Nyakane’s third South African side, having also played for the Cheetahs.
While it is yet to be officially confirmed by the Sharks, they have also secured the return of powerhouse Bok centre Andre Esterhuizen, whose departure from Harlequins at the end of the season has already been announced.
Meanwhile, Rapport state that the Sharks are willing to let fly-half Curwin Bosch leave the side at the end of the season, with Montpellier reportedly interested in his service. However, they want to secure a replacement for the playmaker first.
Finally, ex-Blitzboks star Werner Kok will join Ulster at the end of the season after four years with the Sharks.
Gareth Anscombe signs with Gloucester
Wales international Gareth Anscombe will link up with Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The New Zealand-born playmaker will arrive at Kingsholm after an unsuccessful stint with Suntory Sungoliath in the Japanese Rugby League One competition after an injury he sustained during the 2023 World Cup denied him a chance of making an appearance with the side.
The 35-Test cap international is able to play at both full-back and fly-half, and will link up with the Cherry and Whites, who are set to bid Scottish international Adam Hastings farewell at the end of the current season.
Ranked: The current job security of every Six Nations head coach
“We’re really pleased to bring a player with Gareth’s club and international experience to Kingsholm,” Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington said.
“He’s one of the top fly halves in the Northern Hemisphere and we feel he’ll complement our other options at fly-half and full back well. We’re looking forward to him joining us in the summer.”
Meanwhile, Gloucester legend Mark Atkinson announced his retirement this weekend due to a knee injury.
Sale Sharks prepare for post-Manu Tuilagi
Fiji’s Waisea Nayacalevu celebrates during the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final match.
Manu Tuilagi looks set to leave Premiership club Sale Sharks at the end of the season. The England centre has reportedly been in talks with Montpellier, Bayonne and Perpignan with his current contract expiring.
The Tuilagi family has ties to Perpignan. Manu’s brother, Henry, played for the side, while his nephew, Posolo, came through the club’s academy and quickly became a key player for the team.
It is reported that Perpignan are leading the race for his signature but that Montpellier and Bayonne have both presented attractive offers, with the latter making the most recent bid, according to Midi Olympique, after failing to tempt Stuart McCloskey away from Ulster.
With Tuilagi seemingly heading out the door, The Telegraph reports that Sale are targeting Fiji’s captain from the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Waisea Nayacalevu.
The paper notes that Sale is unable to fit Tuilagi into their salary cap but has identified the talented Nayacalevu as his replacement.
The 33-year-old has reportedly caught the interest of Montpellier as well, but that avenue went cold and he could now leave Toulon to head to Manchester. Nayacalevu made over 200 appearances for Stade Francais and joined Toulon two years ago and would be a handy addition with his ability to play inside and outside centre.
He would be Sale’s second signing of the season after the club announced that the Durban-based Sharks lock Le Roux Roets would be linking up with the Premiership outfit. His arrival comes after the confirmed departure of Cobus Wiese, who will join the Bulls.
