Raffi Quirke: England scrum-half announces Sale departure

England scrum-half Raffi Quirke has announced that he will leave his boyhood club Sale Sharks, who have been linked with Newcastle Red Bulls, at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old, who has made two caps and scored a memorable goal in England’s win against South Africa in November 2021, has been hampered by a series of injuries at club level, where he is often favored by Scotsman Gus Warr.

However, Quirke has performed well this season and was part of England’s autumn national squad, retaining his place for the January meet despite the return of Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet and Bristol’s Harry Randall from injury.

Quirke said: “This has been the hardest decision of my life so far because Sale are the club I grew up supporting and dreamed of playing for.” he said.

“Playing here since I was 15 has been a wonderful experience and privilege that has shaped me as a player and a person, and I will be forever grateful.” [director of rugby] Alex [Sanderson]Thank you to the owners, coaches, players and fans for truly believing in me.