England star set to depart Sale Sharks for Premiership rival
Yesterday at 09:55 AM
Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter is on the hunt for a new scrum-half ahead of next season, and the latest whispers suggest he's set his sights on former England international Raffi Quirke.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
According to RugbyPass, the Chiefs have made a move for the out-of-contract Sale Sharks star in a bid to bolster their No.9 options.
Raffi Quirke: The fallen prodigy
Once tipped as England's long-term answer at scrum-half, Quirke, 23, was destined for stardom after scoring a match-winning try against South Africa in just his second Test back in 2021. However, a brutal run of injuries—including a broken jaw, foot ligament damage, and multiple wrist issues—has seen his career stall.
From England’s future to Sale's third choice
Neil Fissler, the go-to man for rugby transfer gossip, has revealed that Quirke delayed contract talks until the New Year as he weighed up his next move. But with Gus Warr and Nye Thomas now ahead of him in the pecking order at Sale, the door could be open for an exit.
This season, he's made just seven appearances, crossing the whitewash once, but with his contract expiring in June, Baxter could offer him a fresh start at Sandy Park.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Former rugby star Gavin Henson opens up about his shock diagnosis
- Sir Clive Woodward Doesn't Agree with Borthwick's England XV
- Sir Ian McGeechan expects it to be the 'Seven Nations' very soon
- Fans Finally Figure Out How to Tell Ben and Tom Curry Apart
- England Captain Maro Itoje Engaged to Stunning Artist and Model
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it's nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He's so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he's a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you'll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he's a fantastic man off the field as well. O'Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote:“I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it's pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I've been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I'm pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post England star set to depart Sale Sharks for Premiership rival appeared first on Ruck.
