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SALE PROP JAMES HARPER SIGNS UP
Sale Sharks prop James Harper will be a Newcastle Red Bulls player next season, with the Liverpool-born scrummager signing a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old tight-head stands at an imposing 6 foot 3 and has played 72 games for Sale, having come through their academy.
Playing his junior rugby with Southport and making his first team debut for Sale in 2021, Harper was captain at Merchant Taylor’s School and played for England Under-18s.
Called into the England A squad in 2024 ahead of their game against Portugal, Harper is closing in on 50 Gallagher PREM appearances and has played a further 11 times in the Investec Champions Cup.
Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “For a relatively young prop James already has a great bank of experience to his name, and we’re delighted to have him on board.
“He’s a big guy, he has been regularly involved in a strong forward pack at Sale and it’s fantastic that talented young English players see Newcastle as a place where they can take their careers to the next level.”
Relishing the prospect of his summer switch, Harper said: “It’s really exciting coming to a club that’s starting afresh, in many ways.
“The quality of players coming into Newcastle looks really good, lots of whom I’ve played with or against in my time, and it’s great to be a part of that group.
“I’ve been a pro at Sale since the age of 18 but I was involved with their DPP stuff before then, and I owe them a lot. They’ve been great with me and I’ve loved playing for them, but at the same time I’m also looking forward to this new chapter and to challenging myself in a new environment.
“Northern rugby is also really important to me, being a Liverpool lad who’s played my rugby in Manchester. Newcastle are obviously right up there with Sale in terms of flying that flag, and it’s just another reason why this move makes sense.”
Asked what he hopes to bring to the squad, Harper replied: “Physicality is probably the biggest thing, and I love my set-piece.
“The scrum is my favourite part of the game so I’ll look to add in that department, but I just want to be a positive presence around the place and help wherever I can.”
Joined on Tyneside by his current Sale Sharks team-mate Raffi Quirke, Harper revealed: “Raf and I have lived together for a number of years.
“He’s one of my best mates and it will be great to be able to come up to Newcastle together, but we’re obviously keen to finish the season strongly for Sale between now and then.”
JAMES HARPER BIOG
Position: Prop
Born: 16/10/2000
Height: 1.91m (6 foot 3)
Weight: 126kg (19 stone 12)
Honours: England U18
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