Ernst van Rhyn commits to Sale Sharks as Courtney Lawes joins up

Ernst van Rhyn has committed himself to another three years with Sale Sharks, having found his second home in Manchester.

The 28-year-old South African forward, the Sharks‘ captain this season, arrived in the northwest from Cape Town in 2023 and quickly became a fan favourite with his uncompromising approach on the field.

“I do not overcomplicate things or ask anyone to do something that I would not,” he said.

“I have enjoyed the captaincy despite the fact that our results have not been ideal.”

Identity

Van Rhyn continued: “I have grown a lot and been challenged, something that brings out the best in me. I have learned much, not least that rugby is what I do but not who I am.

“You have to find an identity outside the game. Tough results are not the end of the world because the sun comes up again.”

The sun was something van Rhyn was used to when he was in Cape Town playing for the Stormers, but it has more rarity value in the north of England.

“My wife and I love it here,” he said. “The weather is the only negative thing – I do not know if I have got used to it or just stopped complaining.

“I am a massive advocate for the north and as a South African, identify with Manchester grit and hard work.

“Rugby-wise, it has been among the most enjoyable time of my career. I read that Manchester is one of the cities with the most Nobel prize winners, my favourite fact to put the city on the map.”

Leading the way: Sale Sharks skipper Ernst van Rhyn

PICTURE: Getty Images

Small errors

Sale were expected to be among the challengers for the play-offs, but all they will take from the campaign is a Champions Cup run.

“We have not been good enough,” said van Rhyn. “Small errors have let us down in what has been a season of near misses, with a number of defeats coming by less than a score.

“We have had injuries, but we have not showcased what we are about. The game is evolving and we went away from being a set-piece dominant team that was strong on defence and ended up lacking a bit.

“The Six Nations showed how much more attacking the game has become, especially in transition when a game breaks up.

“You have to find the balance between being physical up front and able to create and take chances in attack.

“It is something we were not on top of at the start of the season, but we have had a hard look at it and have made progress.

“You have to trust the process – the wheel will keep turning and things will come together.”

Amazing

Van Rhyn will be joined at Sale in the summer by Courtney Lawes, above, the former England captain who, like the South African, is a second row who can play on the blindside.

“He is an amazing signing,” said van Rhyn. “I remember reading SA rugby magazine before the 2011 World Cup and he was billed as one of the guys to look out for.

“I do not know him, but I have heard very good things about him. He is a hard-hitting, physical player and his leadership and knowledge will make a difference here, I am sure.

“We are looking to turn the corner and his presence will help. You can only learn from someone like Courtney, how he approaches training and prepares for a game. You cannot buy that experience.”

Building

Sale’s director of rugby Alex Sanderson, above, said Lawes had been signed in the quest to win trophies.

“He believes in what we are building here and wants to get back into the England squad,” he added.

“He is not coming for the pay cheque.

“We cannot afford to have another season like this one and there are two or three more signings to come in the next few weeks.”