Sale Sharks have signed highly rated Welsh international Nicky Smith ahead of next season.
His arrival is the latest among a number of key new signings, not to mention some notable outgoings from Alex Sanderson’s setup.
Smith, 31, has signed a three-year deal with the Sharks after rounding out his contract and campaign with Leicester Tigers this year.
A seasoned rugby union prop with more than a dozen years of experience, he spent over a decade with the Ospreys back in Wales before making his first senior appearances in England in 2024, making his debut in March and going on to be named in the league’s team of the season in his inaugural Tigers term.
Coming to the CorpArq stadium with a great amount of experience, strength, and overall physicality, the powerful loosehead will get underway with Sale at the start of the 2026/27 season.
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Swansea-born Smith spent his amateur rugby year with his hometown club, Waunarlwydd RFC, before representing Aberavon and eventually going pro with Ospreys by 2012.
He went on to play two centuries of games in the United Rugby Championship (URC) before finally introducing himself to the Gallagher Prem last year, making a total of 31 appearances for the East Midlands side and 10-time title winners.
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With that in mind, it’s fair to say he’s proved a good fit for the division as well as for his national team, earning 59 caps for The Dragons.
Though many see his age bracket as the one where rugby players’ careers typically start to wind down, Smith is clearly confident that he has plenty more to give at this level.
Coming to Manchester soon 🔥
Nicky Smith heads up North with a lot of experience in the Prem and on international level 🏴
Speaking on signing with the Sharks, Nicky said: “I spoke to Alex Sanderson, and I loved how ambitious he was about what the club wants to achieve. It’s really exciting to be joining a team that is so clear about wanting to win things and compete for every trophy.
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“As an opposition player, Sale is always a really tough place to go, and as a forward, you know that you need to front up […] Sale have so many quality international players, especially in the front row, so I can’t wait to play and train with those lads because I know that will help my game.”
As for the Director of Rugby himself, ‘Al’ added: “Nicky has been one of the most aggressive, consistent, high-quality scrummagers in the Prem over the past couple of years.
“He’s caused us a lot of trouble when we’ve played Leicester in that period, and we’ve always felt that we’d love to have him here…” You read what else the pair had to say in the full club statement right HERE.
Manchester United announce plans for first permanent fan zone at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester United have revealed the first glimpse at a brand-new fan zone at Old Trafford – the first permanent one of its kind at the ground.
Dubbed ‘The Paddock’ in a nod to the club’s history, the official Man United supporter park is due to open later this year.
Set to be fully unveiled just metres from the Stretford End, the aim is to make it “the closest place to the stadium to enjoy great local food, drink, and lively entertainment.”
The new addition comes after recent consultations with regular season ticket holders who want a dedicated and club-sanctioned space to enjoy themselves before, during and after fixtures.
As you can see from the brief look we’ve now gotten at the fan park, which will be able to hold approximately 1,300 Reds, The Paddock will revolve around food and drink – including some self-service bars – as well as space for live music and other entertainment.
We know the above image is only a little artist’s mock-up, but you can picture local grassroots musicians who support the team being given the opportunity to play the stage, etc.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We’re delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.”
An official statement goes on to read that “the proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”
Speaking of which, we recently got more details on where exactly ‘New Trafford’ (not a confirmed title, just FYI) will sit in relation to the existing Theatre of Dreams.
Wharfside will look VERY different in the years to come.
Obviously, all of this news comes as somewhat temporary by default given that we now know the vision of Man United’s new stadium is finally starting to move forward.
However, it is nevertheless good news for matchgoers looking for places to spend extended periods near the venue when going to a game.
At present, this is all still subject to full planning permission, but with former Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce Members and Greater Manchester Mayor turned Prime Minister Andy Burnham now at the helm, you’d expect something like this to pass through smoothly and quickly.
With an autumn opening date currently set for the opening of The Paddock, it will be interesting to see how well-attended it is given some of the recent sentiments and frustrations surrounding many of the most loyal and dedicated Man United fans.
In case you missed it, even a six-year-old kid and former mascot has seen his ticket restricted due to the attempted crackdown on touts. 😬
Featured Images — Publicity picture (via Manchester United FC)/The Manc Group
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A ‘power’ GB national team player has joined Manchester Basketball for the new season
Danny Jones
Manchester Basketball boast an exciting new addition for the upcoming Super League (SLB) season, as they have announced the signing of experienced Great Britain international Luke Nelson.
A forceful GB Basketball player who has represented his country on numerous occasions on the big stage, Luke Nelson links up with MCR ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The London-born guard last played in the domestic league for familiar foes, London Lions, having already enjoyed a pro career that’s taken him to France, Germany, Spain and most recently Hungary, after a successful four-year college career at UC Irvine in California.
Now heading up North for his domestic comeback, the 31-year-old will bring plenty of presence in the dressing room and on the court.
Speaking in an official statement, head coach Matthew Otten said: “Luke Nelson is a power signing for us and as a domestic. He’s a big guard that’s played at high levels including the senior national team, and having a guard with veteran experience is what the team needs.”
“His defence, ability to see the floor and toughness are what stood out, and I look forward to having him.”
Nelson, who plays regularly with the men’s senior national team, commented: “I’m excited for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do this season in Manchester!”
But he’s not the only noteworthy name recently brought into the club, including both new and returning stars, that will excite fans.
As for Nelson, this also means another British national joining the core roster of UK compatriots, including Kayne Henry, Ciaran Sandy, Jonathan Brown, and homegrown favourite Kaiyem Cleary.
Greater Manchester and UK basketball as a whole are in a really good moment at the minute.
For instance, we were buzzing to hear that MMU are not just continuing their commitment but extending their partnership for youth progression pathways with MCR Basketball.
Danny Jones -
17th December 2025 
