Rugby Transfers: England player swaps PREM clubs, Bulls’ eye is on Wales to replace retired Springbok and Sharks swoop for another Lion
Saracens' Alex Lozowski is joining Sale while Dragons' Tinus de Beer, inset, is being chased by Bulls (INPHO)
Out of favour England midfielder Alex Lozowski has decided to leave London for Manchester next season, the Bulls are looking to bring back one of their oldies from the UK to take over from a retired Springbok, and the Sharks are poised to sharpen their bite.
Lozowski signs for Sale
Alex Sanderson has raided his old club Saracens, convincing Lozowski to commit to a two-year deal with Sale Sharks in Manchester. A five-cap England midfielder, who last featured in a Test squad during last year’s Six Nations and last played in 2018, Sanderson believes he has acquired a versatile player with real international quality.
Lozowski joined Saracens from Wasps in 2016, going on to win three Premiership titles and two Champions Cups. He also had a spell at Montpellier in the Top 14, when the Londoners spent a year in the Championship following their automatic relegation due to a salary cap investigation.
“Alex has real international quality without winning as many caps as he has deserved,” said Sanderson. “He is versatile, and I believe he can bring so much quality to us in a lot of different positions. He can run the game from fly-half, he can bang as a 12 and he can play-make from 13. I have no doubt he’s going to be a fantastic signing for us.
“He has been at a club that’s won plenty of trophies, so he knows what it takes to win, but he’s also a fantastic character and a leader, and that experience and those qualities will be invaluable for our younger players.”
The 32-year-old Lozowski added: “I’m really excited to make the move to Sale. It’s a club I have always admired, I like the style of rugby the team plays, and I think I can really fit in and add something too. As an opposition player, Sale has always been a really tough place to go.
“I don’t think I have won too many games there, so I’m looking forward to being on the home team. There are some fantastic players at the club. I know guys like George Ford and the Curry boys from England camps, but there are so many others who I’m looking forward to meeting.
“I spent a few years with Alex at Saracens, too, and I know how good a coach he is. More importantly, he’s a fantastic person and he is someone I have a great friendship with. At this stage in my career, I need something new to sink my teeth into. I want to enjoy my rugby, but the Sale owners, coaches, players and fans want to win trophies and that’s really important to me too.”
In a separate farewell message to Saracens fans, Lozowski explained: “After a wonderful ten years at Saracens, it’s almost time to say goodbye. I have met some truly incredible people here and want to thank every single one of you for the friendships, support and memories that I will hold dear forever.”
Saracens boss Mark McCall added: “Alex has been a remarkable servant to Saracens over the last 10 years. His consistency, professionalism and commitment have been outstanding, and he has played a huge role in the success we have enjoyed as a club.”
De Beer poised for Bulls return
Reports in South Africa claim that the Bulls have turned to the UK-based Tinus de Beer as a replacement for Johan Goosen, the ex-Springbok fly-half who retired at the end of last season.
Now 30, De Beer originally had a spell in Pretoria from 2015 to 2018 before linking up with the Griquas and then the Pumas before trying his luck in Wales, initially at Cardiff and then the Dragons where he is Filo Tiatia’s first-choice 10.
Regularly playing in the United Rugby Championship with an attack-minded style has brought him to the attention of the Bulls, who are currently relying on a playmaking group that includes Handre Pollard.
The injury-ravaged Goosen still hasn’t formally confirmed his retirement from playing, but the 33-year-old no longer trains with the Bulls and has started a career outside the game, working in the insurance industry and also farming.
The Pretoria franchise also lost Jaco van der Walt to a November switch to the Cheetahs.
Sharks coach call gathers pace as ‘favourite’ emerges with ‘unexpected’ John Plumtree twist
From a Lion to a Shark
South African media have also reported that fly-half Gianni Lombard will join the Sharks after eight years at the Lions. The Durban club’s fortunes have been transformed in recent months since the early December decision for JP Pietersen to take charge following a desperate start to the season under John Plumtree.
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Last Saturday’s URC win over the Stormers at Kings Park was their fifth in seven matches, a run of form that has lifted them to ninth place in the league and secured a place in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16.
One of Sharks’ two recent losses came against the Lions but while Lombard didn’t play in that match and has fallen down their pecking order, they have seen enough in his lengthy service in Johannesburg since 2018 to believe he would be an excellent addition to their roster.
The Sharks have suffered for depth when their Springboks contingent is away for long periods. Adding to Lombard’s appeal is his positional versatility, as he can also play full-back and midfield, and he can also place-kick.
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