In a significant shake-up within British rugby, Nicky Smith, the robust Wales international, will be swapping his Leicester Tigers stripes for a Sale Sharks jersey starting next season. Smith's transition to the North West's CorpAcq Stadium is fixed with a three-year contract, marking him as a notable acquisition following Joe Marchant's recent move to the club.
Having racked up 31 appearances for Leicester since his 2024 move from Ospreys, Smith has proven himself an indispensable force within the Tigers' ranks. His next career chapter at Sale promises to add even more grit and experience to their already formidable front-row, complementing the likes of Bevan Rodd and Asher Opoku-Fordjour.
“I spoke to Alex Sanderson and I loved how ambitious he was about what the club wants to achieve. It’s really exciting to be joining a team that is so clear about wanting to win things and compete for every trophy,”
Smith commented, reflecting on his discussions with Sale's director of rugby.
Smith's respect for his new club's competitive edge is palpable.
“As an opposition player, Sale is always a really tough place to go and as a forward, you know that you need to front up. I’m looking forward to being part of that team from next season. Sale have so many quality international players, especially in the front-row so I can’t wait to play and train with those lads because I know that will help my game. I feel like I’m playing my best rugby at the moment but I know I can still improve. Hopefully I’ll have my best years in a Sale shirt,”
he added enthusiastically.
Alex Sanderson, Sale's director of rugby, reciprocated Smith's enthusiasm, emphasizing his new signing's prowess and potential. “Nicky has been one of the most aggressive, consistent, high-quality scrummagers in the Prem over the past couple of years. He’s caused us a lot of trouble when we’ve played Leicester in that period and we’ve always felt that we’d love to have him here. He’s quality in the set-piece but he’s agile and mobile and good around the park too,” Sanderson noted.
Sanderson further highlighted the alignment of Smith's career trajectory with the club's aspirations: “He comes with a lot of experience in the Prem and at international level. Our ambitions to compete for trophies and his ambitions to continue to get better and to play in World Cups are aligned. Off the field we’ve heard nothing but good things about him so we can’t wait to start working with him.”
As Smith prepares for his exciting new role at Sale, he joins a growing list of Wales internationals making significant moves, with Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake also set to don Gloucester jerseys next season.
2,193 posts
In a significant shake-up within British rugby, Nicky Smith, the robust Wales international, will be swapping his Leicester Tigers stripes for a Sale Sharks jersey starting next season. Smith's transition to the North West's CorpAcq Stadium is fixed with a three-year contract, marking him as a notable acquisition following Joe Marchant's recent move to the club.
Having racked up 31 appearances for Leicester since his 2024 move from Ospreys, Smith has proven himself an indispensable force within the Tigers' ranks. His next career chapter at Sale promises to add even more grit and experience to their already formidable front-row, complementing the likes of Bevan Rodd and Asher Opoku-Fordjour.
“I spoke to Alex Sanderson and I loved how ambitious he was about what the club wants to achieve. It’s really exciting to be joining a team that is so clear about wanting to win things and compete for every trophy,”
Smith commented, reflecting on his discussions with Sale's director of rugby.Smith's respect for his new club's competitive edge is palpable.
“As an opposition player, Sale is always a really tough place to go and as a forward, you know that you need to front up. I’m looking forward to being part of that team from next season. Sale have so many quality international players, especially in the front-row so I can’t wait to play and train with those lads because I know that will help my game. I feel like I’m playing my best rugby at the moment but I know I can still improve. Hopefully I’ll have my best years in a Sale shirt,”
he added enthusiastically.Alex Sanderson, Sale's director of rugby, reciprocated Smith's enthusiasm, emphasizing his new signing's prowess and potential. “Nicky has been one of the most aggressive, consistent, high-quality scrummagers in the Prem over the past couple of years. He’s caused us a lot of trouble when we’ve played Leicester in that period and we’ve always felt that we’d love to have him here. He’s quality in the set-piece but he’s agile and mobile and good around the park too,” Sanderson noted.
Sanderson further highlighted the alignment of Smith's career trajectory with the club's aspirations: “He comes with a lot of experience in the Prem and at international level. Our ambitions to compete for trophies and his ambitions to continue to get better and to play in World Cups are aligned. Off the field we’ve heard nothing but good things about him so we can’t wait to start working with him.”
As Smith prepares for his exciting new role at Sale, he joins a growing list of Wales internationals making significant moves, with Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake also set to don Gloucester jerseys next season.