Third Sale Sharks player opts for move to northern rivals Newcastle

Sale Sharks wing Obi Ene is the 18th new player to sign for Newcastle Red Bulls ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 22-year-old will arrive on a two-year deal, having scored seven tries in 13 appearances for the Sharks.

No stranger to Tyneside, the Leeds-born flyer was an accounting and finance student at Newcastle University and admits he is excited about returning to the city.

“I came through Yorkshire’s academy and moved up to Newcastle to play for the Uni team, which is where I got picked up by England Under-20s and Sale Sharks,” said the 6-foot-1 winger, who has also played Champ Rugby for Caldy and Doncaster.

“I know all about life in Newcastle so the club didn’t need to give me the sales pitch in that sense, and it’s an exciting time on and off the field.

“It’s well documented regarding all the improvements around the club under Red Bull’s ownership, and it’s great to be heading over there at the same time as my Sale team-mates Raffi Quirke and James Harper. With Raffi in particular I’ve already got that attacking synergy, so hopefully we can link up and score a few tries between us.

“Having spoken to the guys up at Newcastle it’s clear the level of ambition they have, and I’m buzzing to get up there and rip in.”

Asked what he hopes to bring to the squad, Ene said: “I’d like to think I have power in the carry and dominance in defence, and like any winger you want to bring speed and footwork.

“The high ball is such a big part of the game now, which I’ve been working hard at, but I’m just keen to keep learning and improving.”

Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Obi is a talented young player who will fit in well to our system.

“He is a northern lad who has shown some very encouraging signs during the early part of his career, and I’m looking forward to seeing that progress continue when he joins us in the summer.”