England scrum-half Raffi Quirke has confirmed he will leave his boyhood club, Sale Sharks, at the end of the 2025–26 season, amid strong links to Newcastle Red Bulls. The 24-year-old, who earned two England caps and famously scored in the 2021 win over South Africa, cited a desire for a new challenge as the driving factor behind his decision.
Quirke Reflects on His Sale Sharks Journey
Quirke, who has been part of Sale since the age of 15, described leaving the club as the “hardest decision of my life so far.”
“Playing here since I was 15 has been an amazing experience and a privilege that has shaped me as a player and a person. I will be forever grateful to [director of rugby] Alex Sanderson, the owners, the coaches, the players, and the supporters for truly believing in me,” Quirke said.
Despite a career hampered by injuries and often being behind Scotland international Gus Warr in the club’s selection, Quirke has shown encouraging form this season. He retained his place in the England squad for the autumn internationals and the recent January training camp, even with competition from Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet and Bristol’s Harry Randall returning from injury.
“It goes without saying that I will give everything I have for the rest of the season to bring success to Sale,” Quirke added. “I have always seen rugby as my opportunity to explore different environments, people, and places. I feel, for my rugby and personal development, that my story just needs a new challenge and a new setting.”
Newcastle Red Bulls Emerge as Next Destination
Reports from the Daily Telegraph indicate Quirke has agreed a two-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls, who are investing heavily after their takeover by the energy drink giant Red Bull. If confirmed, Quirke will compete with Argentina international Simon Benitez Cruz for the number nine shirt at Kingston Park.
Newcastle have also strengthened their squad for next season with several high-profile signings, including:
- All Black Hoskins Sotutu
- Exeter duo Josh Hodge and Rusi Tuima
- Northampton forwards Sam Graham and Elliot Millar-Mills
- Argentina Puma Franco Molina, teammate of Benitez Cruz
This influx of talent demonstrates the Red Bulls’ ambition to challenge at the top level of English rugby, and Quirke’s arrival would add valuable Premiership and international experience to their backline.
Sale Sharks’ Reaction to Quirke’s Departure
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson expressed his admiration for Quirke and his contributions to Sale:
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Raffi, and as a homegrown player who grew up supporting the club, we all would have loved for him to continue his career with us. He feels like he wants to try a new environment and a new challenge, and we respect his decision. He’ll leave with our blessing and thanks for everything that he’s given to the club while he’s been here.”
Quirke leaves Sale as a product of one of England’s most productive rugby academies, with memories including coming off the bench to score England’s third try in a 27-26 victory over the Springboks in November 2021.
Implications for Quirke and the Premiership
- Quirke’s move represents a major signing for Newcastle Red Bulls, who are looking to build a competitive squad under Red Bull ownership.
- Sale Sharks will need to plan for the departure of a homegrown talent and reinforce their scrum-half options for next season.
- Quirke’s experience with England could accelerate Newcastle’s ambition to compete for domestic and European honors.
With the Premiership season in full swing, Quirke’s final months at Sale will be closely watched by fans, while speculation over his Newcastle impact continues to grow.
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