It was reported yesterday that Luke Cowan-Dickie will be joining Sale Sharks ahead of the 2023/24 season in a move that will keep him in England contention for years to come. It has been confirmed today with statements from both Cowan-Dickie and Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson.
“I’ve been at the same club for 13 years and I felt it was time for a change. This is the perfect move for me and I can’t wait to get started," claimed Cowan Dickie.
“I know Jonny and Tom from Exeter and they have raved about this club since they came up here. They have told me how good the environment, the lads, and the coaching team are so it was an easy decision.
“It’s been a long journey trying to get fit and not knowing where I’d be playing but I can already see myself being here for a long time.
“This team reached the final last year and speaking to the boys here, they all want to go one better. I want to win and I’m confident we can have a successful year.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson was enthusiastic about his new signing: “Luke is a fantastic player and we feel really fortunate and happy to have secured him for the foreseeable future. Already it feels like a good match for him and for us, with the type of team we want to be on and off the pitch.
“To be able to bring in an England international and a British and Irish Lion to a squad that’s already as good as this one is really exciting. We’re all looking forward to working with someone who’ll bring new ideas.
“Last year was brilliant but we are always looking to improve. The worst thing would be to say ‘nothing changes’ because we did well last year. We have to keep improving and a big part of that is bringing in top-quality players like Luke.”
This is an important move for the hooker after a summer sat in limbo following a contract breakdown with Montpellier and injury troubles causing him to miss the upcoming World Cup. With Cowan-Dickie expected to arrive at the AJ Bell Stadium as a direct replacement for South African hooker, Akker van der Merve, it is widely expected that the experienced international will hit the ground running.
Sale Sharks are confident that they can monitor and support the former Exeter man during his injury woes, and will no doubt have a world-class player at their disposal once he fully recovers. His try-scoring abilities, in which he scored 41 tries in 165 matches for the Chiefs, will no doubt come in handy for a side that marginally missed out on the Premiership title this year.
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