James Harper joins Newcastle Red Bulls

Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed the signing of prop James Harper from Sale Sharks ahead of next season, with the 25-year-old agreeing a two-year contract.

The Liverpool-born tight-head, who stands 6ft 3in, has made 72 appearances for Sale since progressing through the club’s academy system. Harper played his junior rugby with Southport RFC and made his senior debut for Sale in 2021.

A former captain at Merchant Taylors’ School, Harper also represented England Under-18 during his development years.

His form has continued to attract attention at representative level. Harper was called into the England A squad in 2024 ahead of their fixture with Portugal national rugby union team. He is now approaching 50 appearances in the Premiership Rugby and has also featured 11 times in the Investec Champions Cup.

Newcastle sporting general manager Neil McIlroy welcomed the addition of the experienced front-rower.

“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,” said McIlroy.
“He’s a big guy who 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.”

Harper said he is relishing the opportunity to start a new chapter on Tyneside.

“It’s really exciting coming to a club that’s starting afresh in many ways,” he said.
“The quality of players coming into Newcastle looks really good, and there are lots of lads I’ve played with or against before, so it’s great to be part of that group.”

Having been part of Sale’s pathway system from a young age, the prop was keen to acknowledge the role his current club has played in his development.

“I’ve been a pro at Sale since I was 18 and was involved with their DPP programme before that, so I owe them a lot,” he added.
“They’ve been brilliant with me and I’ve loved playing for them, but I’m also looking forward to this new challenge and testing myself in a different environment.”

Harper also highlighted the importance of northern rugby in his career.

“Being a Liverpool lad who’s played most of my rugby in Manchester, northern rugby means a lot to me. Newcastle are right up there with Sale in flying that flag, so it’s another reason why the move made sense.”

Known for his scrummaging strength, Harper hopes to bring physicality and set-piece power to the Red Bulls pack.

“Physicality is probably the biggest thing,” he said. “The scrum is my favourite part of the game, so I’m looking forward to adding to that area and being a positive presence around the squad.”

Harper will also be reunited at Newcastle with current Sale team-mate Raffi Quirke.

“Raf and I have lived together for a number of years and he’s one of my best mates,” Harper revealed. “It’ll be great coming up to Newcastle together, but for now we’re focused on finishing the season strongly with Sale.”