HOOKER JIBULU SIGNS NEW SHARKS DEAL

Sale Sharks hooker Nathan Jibulu has signalled his commitment to the club by signing a new long-term deal.

The London-born front-rower played 23 games for Sharks in his first season at the club after joining from Harlequins ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 23-year-old made an instant impression with his powerful carrying and expertise in the scrum and lineout and his form earned him a call-up to an England training squad in June.

‘Jibs’ had one year remaining on his first Sharks contract but he has now penned a contract extension keeping him in Manchester until at least 2030.

Nathan said: “I’ve loved my first year at Sale. The boys are so together on and off the pitch. We all see each other away from Carrington and that’s been brilliant.

“We know the season didn’t go as we wanted, but the atmosphere has been really good, and so many young lads got a lot of experience in big games. It’s so exciting to think where lads like Alfie Longstaff and Ralph McEachran could be in two or three years.

“With the signings we’ve made this season, we’re building a squad that can win titles and I want to be a part of that. I can’t see myself wanting to leave so it was an easy decision to stay.”

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Nathan has fallen in love with the club during a really disappointing season and that’s credit to both him and how well he’s fitted in, and how the lads have made him feel so welcome.

“For all the aspects of the game with ball in hand that seem to be evolving, there are certain fundamentals that you have to keep, but Nathan gives you quality in both aspects.

“When he has the ball in his hands, things are going to happen with his skill and his feet, and I haven’t seen many, if any, players with more power.

“Nathan has so much ability and he’s been in and around England training squads and A squads. He knows that to take the next step he has to perform week in, week out for us and that’s what he’s focused on.”