Raffi Quirke set for Newcastle Red Bulls move

Raffi Quirke will leave Sale Sharks at the end of the season to join Newcastle Red Bulls, with the England scrum-half agreeing a two-year contract ahead of the club’s new campaign.

The 24-year-old has spent his entire professional career with Sale, coming through the Sharks’ academy and going on to make more than 80 senior appearances across seven seasons.

Regarded as one of the most dangerous attacking scrum-halves in the PREM, Quirke has built a reputation for his pace, support play, and eye for the try-line.

Quirke has been capped twice by England at senior level and has also featured for England A, underlining his standing within the national setup.

Speaking after agreeing terms, Quirke said discussions with the club made the decision an exciting one, citing the ambition behind Newcastle Red Bulls’ long-term project. He also paid tribute to Sale Sharks, thanking the club, coaching staff, players, and supporters for their role in his development.

“Having been up to visit Newcastle and listen to their vision, I could only be massively excited about the new journey they are all on with Red Bull.

“I want to be part of that new story, and I look forward to bringing my energy and attacking mindset to a club that deserves to be shaking up the old rugby order for the fans in the North East.

“I will be forever grateful to Alex Sanderson at Sale Sharks, as well as the club, the players and supporters there. It has been an amazing experience that has shaped me on and off the pitch.”