England prospect Nathan Jibulu signs new long-term deal

England A hooker Nathan Jibulu has signed a contract extension with Sale Sharks that will see him remain with the club until at least 2030.

The London-born front-rower played 23 games for Sharks in his first season at the club after joining from Harlequins ahead of the 2025/26 season, and would have played more had he not been hit with a six-game ban for biting in a match against his former club.

The 23-year-old had one year remaining on his first Sharks contract but was more than happy to commit to a longer-term deal.

“I’ve loved my first year at Sale. The boys are so together on and off the pitch. We all see each other away from Carrington and that’s been brilliant,” said Jibulu.

“We know the season didn’t go as we wanted, but the atmosphere has been really good, and so many young lads got a lot of experience in big games. It’s so exciting to think where lads like Alfie Longstaff and Ralph McEachran could be in two or three years.

“With the signings we’ve made this season, we’re building a squad that can win titles and I want to be a part of that. I can’t see myself wanting to leave so it was an easy decision to stay.”

The Sharks have made some headline signings after missing out on last season’s play-offs. Welsh international forward trio, Tomas Francis, Nicky Smith and Christ Tshiunza and former England stars Courtney Lawes, Joe Marchant and Alex Lozowski have all come on board, together with a couple of exciting additions from the Fijian Drua.

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Nathan has fallen in love with the club during a really disappointing season and that’s credit to both him and how well he’s fitted in, and how the lads have made him feel so welcome.

“For all the aspects of the game with ball in hand that seem to be evolving, there are certain fundamentals that you have to keep, but Nathan gives you quality in both aspects.

“When he has the ball in his hands, things are going to happen with his skill and his feet, and I haven’t seen many, if any, players with more power.

“Nathan has so much ability and he’s been in and around England training squads and A squads. He knows that to take the next step he has to perform week in, week out for us and that’s what he’s focused on.”