Joe Marchant seals PREM return with eyes set on World Cup place

Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson says that Joe Marchant’s desire to play in the 2027 World Cup was the major factor in his decision to leave Stade Francais and move to the North-West next season.

The former Harlequins and England star, who is getting married to Holly Shearer, the daughter of Newcastle United legend Alan, in the summer, has agreed to join the Sharks on a three-year deal.

RugbyPass first reported in the summer that Alex Sanderson was trying to sign Marchant, who moved to the French capital after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Sanderson admits that he cannot wait to see Marchant, who starred in Quins’ 2021 PREM final win over Exeter Chiefs, play outside George Ford next season.

“Joe has aspirations to play at the World Cup, which is part of his motivation for coming back. And to do that, he needs to play in a competitive championship team, and he believes that’s us.

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“He has got X-factor on both sides of the ball and in the air. Outside break with gas in that 13 channel, if you find him in space, he is going to make something with it more often than not.

“I have also been impressed with his ability to read play in those wide channels as well, knowing when to land on that area because there is always that space.

“He is some player, and with Rob (du Preez) leaving, he fills that 13 spot and some for us next season. How good is he going to look outside George Ford? It’s going to be something exceptional for sure.

“Hopefully, he is the start of other chips that start to fall in the next few weeks. But he is the first one of proper proven calibre. I thought it would be easier spending the money.

“And for that calibre of players, it has to be right on every level. Joe is getting married to Holly in the summer, and that’s a really good time to start on a new adventure, as we found with Ernst van Rhyn and Marius Louw,” said Sanderson.

Marchant says that the Sharks’ ambition to win trophies was a big reason for him joining the club as well as winning more England caps.

“When I spoke to Alex Sanderson, he explained the direction he wants to take the club and the ambition he has. It’s a club that wants to win trophies, and I’d love to be a part of that.

“Sale have always been a tough team to play against, so I’m really looking forward to being a part of that next season. There are a lot of lads at the club who I’ve played and trained with for England.

“It’ll be great to play with them again. They have some of the best players in the country, and I can’t wait to play with them. I’d love to get back in the mix for England, but I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the PREM and put in some good performances for Sale,” he said.