English club announce signing of third Wales international as big question now raised

Sale Sharks will have four Wales internationals next season, with three of them joining this summer

Wales international Christ Tshiunza will leave Exeter Chiefs at the end of the season after signing a one-year contract with Sale Sharks.

The 24-year-old, who can play lock and blindside flanker, was of interest to Cardiff but has decided to remain in the Gallagher Prem with Sale for at least another season. Tshiunza only has only won 15 caps for Wales and his eligibility for the national side next season will depend on whether he was offered a competitive deal by a Welsh club.

That question could have to be answered by the Professional Rugby Board should Steve Tandy wish to select him, although the future of the 25-cap law is surrounded in doubt.

There will be a strong Welsh contingent at Sale next season with Wales props Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis also signing for the club, while tighthead WillGriff John is also on their books.

“When I spoke to Alex he was talking about how he really wanted to compete for the big trophies and that really excited me,” Tshiunza said.

“He talked about the plans for the future of the club and it was something that I wanted to be a part of.

“I’ve played against Sale loads of times and as an opposition player you always know that it’s going to be a really tough, physical game that’ll be won by the pack.

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“It’s always the most physical game of the season and that always excited me because love that side of the game.

“Other teams have a real fear of playing Sale because of that physical challenge and I can’t wait to be on the other side of that.

“I’m also really looking forward to playing with the other Welsh lads who are joining – Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis – and some of the guys I know from Exeter.

“I’ve been at Exeter for a long time and I think it’ll be good for me to experience a new environment with new faces and new players to learn from.”

Tshiunza has not figured for Wales under Tandy and the last time he represented his country was against South Africa in November 2024.

A series of injuries in recent times have held him back but he will be hoping to get his career back on track at Sale.

“Christ is really intelligent, powerful, supremely dynamic player, with a back story that tells you a lot about how much his career matters to him,” said Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson.

“When you understand where he’s come from to become and international rugby player, it strengthens the belief that his best days are ahead of him.

“He’s got so much ability and raw power and hopefully together we can put him back in a Wales shirt and help him fulfil his massive potential.”

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