England scrum-half Raffi Quirke has announced his departure from Sale Sharks at the end of the season, with speculation surrounding a potential move to Newcastle Red Bulls. The 24-year-old had been hampered by injuries throughout his time at the club and was often bypassed in favour of Scotland's Gus Warr.
Despite this, Quirke has enjoyed a strong run of form recently, retaining his place in England's squad for the autumn internationals. However, he revealed that playing for Sale 'is the hardest decision of my life' and will give everything to bring success to the club before leaving.
Quirke has agreed to a two-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls, who have recruited heavily in recent weeks. This move comes after a period during which Quirke had expressed a desire for a new challenge and environment in his rugby career.
The scrum-half's departure from Sale will be felt, particularly in light of recent additions such as all-Black Hoskins Sotutu, Exeter pair Josh Hodge and Rusi Tuima, Northampton forward duo Sam Graham and Elliot Millar-Mills, along with fellow Puma Franco Molina.
Alex Sanderson, director of rugby at Sale Sharks, has expressed his appreciation for Quirke's contributions to the club, stating that he feels like 'he wants to try a new environment and a new challenge.' The decision is seen as a loss for the club, but also an opportunity for Quirke to pursue his next chapter in rugby.
Despite this, Quirke has enjoyed a strong run of form recently, retaining his place in England's squad for the autumn internationals. However, he revealed that playing for Sale 'is the hardest decision of my life' and will give everything to bring success to the club before leaving.
Quirke has agreed to a two-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls, who have recruited heavily in recent weeks. This move comes after a period during which Quirke had expressed a desire for a new challenge and environment in his rugby career.
The scrum-half's departure from Sale will be felt, particularly in light of recent additions such as all-Black Hoskins Sotutu, Exeter pair Josh Hodge and Rusi Tuima, Northampton forward duo Sam Graham and Elliot Millar-Mills, along with fellow Puma Franco Molina.
Alex Sanderson, director of rugby at Sale Sharks, has expressed his appreciation for Quirke's contributions to the club, stating that he feels like 'he wants to try a new environment and a new challenge.' The decision is seen as a loss for the club, but also an opportunity for Quirke to pursue his next chapter in rugby.
2 years is a decent time frame for him to bring success to Sale Sharks... hope he can stay healthy 
doesn't seem like Newcastle Red Bulls are trying to break the bank with their recruitment spree tho 
think this move could be a good step forward for Quirke 
2yrs at newcastle red bulls sounds like a big change tho 
maybe its time for him 2 see what else the sport has 2 offer? 
alex sanderson seems like a cool dude btw 
anyway back to quirke... i feel bad for him cuz he's been hurt like so much and now he's gotta move on 
but i guess 2 years at newcastle sounds like a good deal? is raffi gonna be able to lead them to victory tho? 
i've been saying it for ages he needed a change of environment and now he's off to newcastle 
hopefully hes gonna smash it there!Sale sharks is def feelin it though, all these fresh faces are gonna take em to the next level 
lets see how his game develops in nc 
but at the same time, it's sad 2 c him goin out of sale sharks... they're losin a talented player 
still, i'm sure he'll always be grateful 4 the opportunities he had @ sale & i hope his next chapter brings him all the happiness & fulfillment he deserves 
. On the other hand, it'll be interesting to see how Quirke performs at Newcastle Red Bulls - will he thrive in a new environment? 
.
.
. Quirke's departure is a shame, but it'll be interesting to see how he adapts in Newcastle 
.
. Maybe they need some fresh blood like Quirke? 
!
!
they've got some talented players now. speaking of which have u tried those new craft beers from the brewery in salford? 
Raffi Quirke was really starting to come into form and now he's off to Newcastle Red Bulls? 
It's like the club is constantly losing its best players. And don't even get me started on how hard it must be for Alex Sanderson to find new talent...