Newcastle Red Bulls have signed England scrum-half Raffi Quirke from Sale Sharks. The 24-year-old will join the club in the summer on a two-year deal. The move comes after Sale confirmed earlier today that Quirke will leave at the end of this season.
Quirke has been with Sale his whole career so far. He came through their academy and made his senior debut a few years back. Born in Chorlton, he grew up supporting the Sharks.
He even signed a new contract last year that was meant to keep him there longer. But things change in rugby. Quirke called this the hardest decision of his life in a statement.
The player has two England caps. He first got called up in 2021 and showed real promise with his quick passing and running from the base. Injuries held him back at times. He missed big chunks of seasons with problems like hamstring issues and concussions. When fit, though, he is one of the most exciting nines in the Premiership.
Newcastle Red Bulls, who used to be called Newcastle Falcons before the Red Bull takeover, are building something new. The rebranding happened last year, and they kept playing at Kingston Park. Money from the new owners has let them go after bigger names. Quirke fits that plan. He will compete for the number nine shirt with others like Argentine Simón Benítez Cruz.
Reports say Newcastle are also close to signing a few more players. Names like Sam Graham and Elliot Millar Mills have come up. Josh Hodge from Exeter could be another. The club wants to push higher up the table after some tough years. They finished low last season but have started this one better.
Sale Sharks put out a short statement thanking Quirke for his time there. They wished him well for the future. The director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, has Gus Warr and others to step in at scrum-half. They seem ready for the change.
Quirke brings speed and vision to the position. He snipes around the rucks well and links play. Newcastle fans will like his attacking style. The team has needed more spark in the backs. This signing could help with that.
Moving north will be different for him. Manchester is home, and Sale has been his club since he was young. But at 24, a new challenge makes sense. More game time and a fresh start might get him back in the England picture. Steve Borthwick will watch how he does.
The Premiership is getting more competitive. Clubs with backing like Newcastle can attract players who might have stayed put before. Quirke’s move is part of that shift.
No fee has been mentioned. These deals between English clubs often stay private. Quirke will finish the season with Sale first. He could still play a big part for them in the coming months.
Supporters on both sides have mixed feelings. Sale fans are sad to see a local lad go. Newcastle ones seem happy with the news. Many posted welcome messages online already.
This transfer wraps up weeks of talk. It started with rumours last week and built from there. Now it is done. Quirke will wear the Red Bulls shirt from next season.
Rugby moves fast sometimes. Players change clubs for all sorts of reasons. For Quirke, this looks like a chance to play regularly and grow again. Newcastle get a talented scrum-half with plenty left to give.
The official photos and welcome video will probably come soon. Until then, attention goes back to the current games. Sale have matches left this season, and Quirke will want to end on a high.
