Sale Sharks fans will be happy to hear that highly-rated youngster Raphael ‘Raffi’ Quirke has committed his future to the club after putting pen to paper on a fresh new contract.
The 23-year-old scrum-half has been dubbed as “one of the best signings in years” by supporter and now the England international is looking to further repay their faith and support by staying with the Sharks Family for the foreseeable.
Confirmed via the club website on Tuesday, 11 March, Quirke has now signed a two-year contract extension with his boyhood team
“Northern born and bred”, as the club have proudly proclaimed and having once been described by the Daily Telegraph as being “as North West as Coronation Street” Quirke played his junior games at Broughton Park Rugby Club before joining the Sharks Academy at the age of 18.
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After playing rugby since he was five years old and above his age group on many occasions, not to mention having become a North West champion triathlon champion at just 13, he was always bound to be an athlete – Sale fans will just be glad every day that he stuck with this sport and chose dark blue.
Bursting onto the Gallagher Premiership scene in the 2020/21 season, becoming the youngest Sale Shark in his position in league history when he made his debut against Harlequins at the age of 19, he’s proven to be an extremely impressive member of the squad.
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It wasn’t long before the pacey half-back’s talent earned him his first call-up to Eddie Jones’ England squad for the 2021 Autumn Nations Series.
He’s about as quick a nine as you’ll find.
Speaking on the new deal, the Manc sporting star said: “It’s such an exciting time to be a part of this club because I really believe that we’ve got the team and we’re close to winning some big trophies.
“Everyone wants to win trophies but to do it here, at my hometown club, playing with some of my best mates and with my whole family watching every week would be so special. Training and playing with some of my best mates is brilliant.
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“I love coming into Carrington every day because it really feels like home. I’m fully focused on playing as well as I can for Sale but I want to be involved with England too. With so many of our lads in the current squad, I know this is the best place for me to be.”
Put it this way, if you’re getting edits like this made in your honour, it’s fair to say you’ve got a pretty passionate personal following:
Quite the highlight reel already, even at such a young age.
As for Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, he said of Quirke extending his contract: “We wanted Raffi to find form so he could come to the table and get what he deserves for the calibre of player that he is. We feel like he has done that in recent games and he’s shown what a brilliant player he is.
“He’s a gamebreaker, he’s homegrown, he’s devoutly Northern and he’s got the ability and potential to be one of the world’s best in his position. He’s got work to do to get there, but we want to go on that journey with him.
“He’s the latest of many of our young, homegrown lads who have committed to the club because they understand our higher purpose, and they know how special it is to play and train with their best mates.
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“They want Sale Sharks to become the team and the club we know it can be, and for Raffi, that commitment is as much of a plus point as his talent.”
The future’s looking bright for the local rugby union outfit, especially as they look to keep investing in young players and the next generation of international talent.
Manchester Basketball set to make history at first-ever Super League Cup finals in the city
Danny Jones
In case you missed the latest landmark for Manchester Basketball, both of our men’s and women’s teams have officially reached the 2026 Super League Cup Finals.
Aside from being a huge achievement for the fresh sporting franchise in itself, things are now all set up for a perfect weekend for local fans, with the conclusion of the Super League Cup taking place in our city for the very first time.
All that being said, it’s quite a watershed moment for this new and improved outfit – and pretty soon, too, so here’s hoping they can follow it up with a dream ending against the kings and queens of the capital.
Secure your Cup Finals tickets now 🏆 You don’t want to miss it 🎟️
— Super League Basketball (@SprLeagueBballM) March 8, 2026
It’s rare you get both the male and female members from the same side making it to the final of a major competition in the same year, not to mention having it hosted on their own turf.
Zak Irvin, Captain of the Men’s side, said in a statement: “Since I arrived here, the goal has been to bring championships home to the city.
“Our team has a great opportunity to do that in front of a Manchester crowd on the 22nd. It’s going to be an electric final, and having the backing of the Manchester crowd can be a real difference maker.”
With multiple Manc natives like Kaiyem Cleary, Demi Babalola and Irene Oboavwoduo in the squad – all of whom have come through the club’s junior pathways – they’ve got hometown pride on the line, too.
And better yet, they’ve already proved that they can make sure the weight of the occasion doesn’t get the better of them, having just won a major European knockout match as part of the MOBOs Fringe Festival earlier this week.
Facing off against KK Dubrava from Zagreb, they managed to pull off a narrow victory, beating the Croatians 94-92 to make it through to the quarter-finals of this year’s European North Basketball League (ENBL) knockout phase.
17-year-old Irene added, “It means a lot to me to play in a Cup final in my home city. Having my family and friends there, as well as all the support for Manchester, will be incredible.
“To play in a domestic final around the corner from where I’ve grown up is really unique. We’re all excited for the game; it will be a great occasion.”
With the stage set for what we have every faith will be an unforgettable conclusion at the AO Arena, it’s on us to make sure they’ve got the stands on their side.
Taking place on Sunday, 22 March, with seat prices starting from just £26 for adults (or £65 if you want to sit courtside), let’s help Manchester Basketball get over the line against London Lions.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via MCR Basketball/AO Arena)
Sport
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Danny Jones -
11th March 2025 
