Sale Sharks replace outgoing Springbok hooker with Pumas legend Agustin Creevy

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of experienced Argentina international hooker Agustin Creevy, who joins them from London Irish.

The 38-year-old front-row is hugely respected in the professional game and is sure to add a great deal to the Sharks set-up in the upcoming season.

Creevy was recently included in Argentina‘s squad for the Rugby Championship and will hope to feature at this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

Vastly experienced hooker

The veteran hooker has played 97 times for the Pumas and is a former captain of the international outfit, with Sale getting a player of vast experience.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me. I had other options, but I knew straight away that Sale was the right club for me,” Creevy told Sale Sharks’ official website.

“I want to finish my career at a team at the top, and I think Sale is one of the biggest clubs in England and Europe. I really think we can compete for big trophies this year.

“The club just missed out on winning the Premiership last year, but there is still a lot of ambition to keep improving.

“I know it’s a young squad too, so I hope I can use my experience to help some of the younger players and to help the team to achieve success.”

Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson welcomed the arrival of the veteran hooker, saying that the club feel lucky to have secured his services.

“Agustin is a really good lad, and his experience and know-how is going to be invaluable for our younger players,” Sanderson said.

“He just wants to give as much as he can, and he wants the final years of his playing career to be spent at a club challenging for trophies.

“We feel really lucky to have him because he’s had a lot of offers and turned them down. He was waiting for the right opportunity, and this is a deal that works for us and for him.”

Akker van der Merwe leaves

Creevy’s arrival is announced on the day Akker van der Merwe was confirmed to be leaving the Premiership side in order to return to South Africa.

The 32-year-old hooker played 70 times for Sale, scoring 31 tries, since joining from the Sharks in 2019 and agrees an early release from his deal.

“Akker has played some of his best rugby here, and we feel he’s become one of the world’s best, most physical hookers,” said Sale Sharks boss Sanderson.

“He brings infectious energy to everything he does, and you can hear him through the walls around the training ground. He has done so much to help and support our young front-row players too.

“We’re gutted to be losing him because he’s been instrumental in everything we have done since I’ve been here. But he goes with our blessing because he’s leaving for the right reasons.

“Everyone at the club is really going to miss him, but we wish him all the best.”

Van der Merwe, who is reportedly set to join the Bulls, said: “I’ve absolutely loved every second of my time at Sale Sharks, and I’m really going to miss the club and the people.

“When I came to Manchester, I thought it would be a great move for my rugby career, and I do think I’ve played my best rugby at Sale. But I have learned and grown so much as a person too.

“When I first arrived, I was quite quiet, but I soon realised that this was a club where I could really be myself. I’ve never experienced an environment where everyone is encouraged to express themselves and be as open as possible.

“This group of players, the coaches, and staff make it such a special place to play. The fans have been amazing in their support for me and the team, so I want to say thank you to them for everything.”

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