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Nicky Smith joins Leicester exodus as PREM rivals swoop for Wales star
By Neil Fissler
Sale Sharks are set to sign Wales loosehead prop Nicky Smith when his contract with Gallagher PREM rivals Leicester Tigers runs out at the end of the season.
Smith will be the Sharks’ second new signing, following the announcement that England international Joe Marchant will join them from Top 14 outfit Stade Français this summer.
The 31-year-old, who previously had discussions with Saracens and Stade, had been offered a new deal by the Tigers, who he joined from his hometown club, the Ospreys, two years ago, where he played 186 games.
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He has made seven appearances for the Tigers this season, scoring one try in the win over PREM Rugby champions Bath at Welford Road.
However, he will be the second high-profile departure from the Tigers after England lock George Martin, who also spoke to the Sharks about moving to Manchester but chose to join Saracens instead.
Smith, capped 59 times by Wales and having played for Aberavon and Swansea in the Welsh Premiership, quickly became popular with Tigers supporters for his relentless work ethic and scrummaging ability.
His performances earned him a spot in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Team of the Season, announced in June, making him the club’s sole representative.
Sharks boss Alex Sanderson has intensified recruitment efforts over the past few weeks following unsuccessful bids to sign Martin, Alex Mitchell, George Martin, Chandler Cunningham-South, and Emeka Ilione.
He has also been in discussions with Saracens duo Alex Lozowski and Elliot Daly, expecting to sign a couple more players before Christmas.
“It’s going quite well, actually, I think there are a couple more who will drop in over the next few weeks,” he told RugbyPass last week.
Smith has agreed to the move; only paperwork remains to be finalised. This will be a significant blow to the Tigers, who could have Saracens’ Rhys Carre lined up as a replacement after recent talks with a Welsh star.
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