Sale Sharks have acquired another new signing ahead of next season as they have secured the services of Jacques Vermeulen.
Oh yeah, and in case you didn’t know, he’s a very big lad…
The 30-year-old South African will be joining the second group of Sharks in his career, having previously played for Durban’s Hollywoodbets team of the same nickname based back in his home country.
He made his move to the Gallagher Premiership back in the 2019/20 campaign and after spending six years with the Exeter Chiefs, Vermeulen is now set to swap Sandy Park for Salford.
𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙭 💥
Jacques Vermeulen is joining our pack for the 25/26 season #SharksFamily!
Capable of being deployed at lock or along the back-row, the Paarl-born rugby union player has been labelled one of the best in his position that the league has seen in recent times, having made over a century of appearances for the Chiefs, who won their second title the season he arrived.
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Joining Alex Sanderson’s side on a two-year contract after spending six years at Sandy Park, he will make his way to the Salford Community Stadium next season, following the arrival of Nathan Jibulu.
Towering above many other players at a whopping 6’6″, not only is he massive in stature but the Premiership heavyweight is known for his work rate and aggression, as well as being no stranger to grabbing a try or two.
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Speaking via an official club announcement, Vermeulen said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sale Sharks. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club’s structure and incredible fan base, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“I already have some good friends in the squad, which will make the transition even smoother, and I truly believe this team has the talent and ambition to achieve big things.
“I’m excited to contribute and give my all for the club, and I can’t wait to get started. Sale Sharks are a very physical outfit and that suits my style of play.”
Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, went on to add: “Jacques has been one of the most consistent performers in his position in the league ever since he arrived at Exeter.
“His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s always been a nightmare to play against and someone we’ve had to target. He’s one of those players you want on your team because of his unparalleled, unrelenting physicality and work-rate.
“He’s a real enforcer, his ability to repeat physical actions is second to none and he’ll complement what we’ve already got. He can play anywhere across the back five but I think there’s more to come from him and that’s really exciting.
“He already has plenty of good mates here, so I have no doubt he’ll fit right in. We’re all buzzing to get him here.”
With fan-favourite Raffi Quirke also signing a new deal recently, the Curry brothers still running the flanks and George Ford looking on top form too, the Sale Sharks are looking strong going into 2025/2026.
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
24th March 2025 
