The Sale Sharks are in talks to sign two international hookers, Agustin Creevy and Luke Cowan-Dickie, with Akker van der Merwe departing the Premiership club.
Creevy, 38, is set to continue his career beyond the Rugby World Cup and remain in the Premiership after London Irish’s collapse.
Meanwhile, Cowan-Dickie is looking for a new club after his deal to join Montpellier fell through due to a failed medical.
Two new hookers in, one departs
According to Telegraph Sport, Sale boss Alex Sanderson is keen to add the two internationals to his roster to replace van der Merwe who is set to return to South Africa.
The report explains that the three-Test cap Springboks hooker will join the Bulls a year before his contract was due to expire. With van der Merwe and Ewan Ashman’s departures from the club, Sale Sharks needs reinforcements in the position.
The Telegraph’s source noted that ‘Creevy is eager to remain in England and begin a career transition into coaching, while Sale are thought to be keen on using his experience to guide younger players’.
Creevy has been named in Michael Cheika’s Los Pumas squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship and is in line to make their Rugby World Cup squad. The veteran hooker has played 97 times for his country and is a former captain of the Test team.
If Sanderson does secure the services of the two hookers, their new additions will tally to five.
Stormers back five forward Ernst van Rhyn, Bristol centre Sam Bedlow and Stade Francais outside back Telusa Veainu have all signed for the side ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Previous reports linked Tolu Latu with Sale, but after Cowan-Dickie’s move fell through, Montpellier moved to secure the Wallaby’s services.
New clubs for the London Irish stars
Several London Irish stars have also secured contracts, with Harlequins snapping up Lovejoy Chawatama, Will Joseph and Chandler Cunningham-South.
Saracens scooped up Los Pumas centre Lucio Cinti and Wallabies prop Ollie Hoskins.
Northampton Saints signed Tom Pearson, Chunya Munga and Tarek Haffar, while Rory Jennings joined Newcastle.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Josh Caulfield also stay in the Premiership after joining Bristol Bears.
Locks Adam Coleman (Bordeaux) and Rob Simmons (Clermont) sealed moves to the Top 14, as did flyhalf Paddy Jackson who signed with Lyon.
They could be joined by Ben White, who has been linked with a move to Toulon and Henry Arundell, who is edging closer to signing with Racing 92. Finally, Ben Loader is set to sign with the Stormers.
READ MORE: ‘Frustrated’ Top 14 giants fail to court Marcus Smith away from Harlequins – report
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