Front-row reinforcements arrive at Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks have completed the signing of Worcester Warriors tighthead prop Nick Schonert, who joins the club on a three-year contract.
South African-born Schonert, 29, becomes Alex Sanderson’s third front-row signing ahead of the 2021/22 season, following the arrivals of Tommy Taylor and Simon McIntyre.
Sanderson had made increasing his front-row options a priority ahead of the new campaign and he revealed that Schonert was top of his list.
Leading prop
“We’re so excited to welcome Nick to Sale Sharks. He’s been one of the leading props in the Premiership for many years and we can’t wait to see ‘Sharky’ pull on a Sharks shirt,” he said.
“We’ve lost three props so we knew we had to strengthen our front-row options. Nick was one of our main targets and we’re confident he has the ability to play a big role for us this season.”
Schonert said: “I’m so excited to be part of such an incredible group here at the Sharks. At the stage I am at in my career I felt that it was the right time for a change in direction and for me to take myself out of my comfort zone.
“When I got the call from Sale in March it felt like the stars had aligned and I genuinely had to pinch myself to check if I wasn’t dreaming.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this squad and just hope I can add value wherever I can.”
Meanwhile, the arrival of McIntyre on a one-year deal sees him return to the Sharks 10 years after he left the club to join Wasps.
Prop McIntyre, 30, will join up with Sanderson’s side ahead of the 2021/22 season after making almost 150 appearances and scoring five tries for Wasps.
“We’re delighted to be able to give Simon a chance to come home and play again for his local team. It’s another northern voice in the dressing room but more importantly, he’s a top player,” said the Sale boss.
“Since he left the Sharks, he’s developed into one of the Premiership’s best props. He’s mobile, he’s powerful, he’s quick and he’s solid in the scrum so he’ll be a brilliant addition to the squad.”
