The sharks are circling once more, and it's Embrose Papier they're eyeing! The Sale Sharks, a powerhouse looking to fortify their No 9 slot, have set their sights on Springbok and Vodacom Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier, who's wrapping up his current contract with his team.
Neil Fissler from RugbyPass highlights that Papier, entering the final stretch of his agreement with the Bulls, finds himself once again in the crosshairs of the Sale Sharks. This isn't their first dance either; Papier had a stint with Sale back in 2019, making 11 appearances during a short-term tenure.
Earlier this year, the Sale Sharks even put money on the table, hoping to lure the 29-year-old with a transfer fee. His recent reselection to the Bok squad after a long hiatus and his exceptional performance in both the URC and Investec Champions Cup caught the eyes of many, not least Rassie Erasmus.
"Papier has that explosive edge which is exactly the sort of dynamism we need at scrumhalf." - Alex Sanderson, Sale director of rugby.
Following Raffi Quirke's departure to the Newcastle Red Bulls, Sale brought Xavier Roe over from the Chiefs. Yet, even with Roe in the fold, Sanderson’s interest in Papier persists. South African rugby insiders affirm that Sanderson sees Papier as a prime target to boost his squad.
Sale's keen interest in Papier rekindles the ties made during his previous short-term contract with the club, underlining the sport's fluid dynamics and the ongoing chase for top talent to enhance team performance.
As the hunt for Embrose Papier heats up, it's clear that the sharks don't just swim in the sea; some prefer to prowl the rugby field, searching for their next key player to snatch.
