Sale Sharks sign Jake Cooper-Woolley

As reported by RugbyPass in December, Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of Jake Cooper-Woolley from fellow Gallagher Premiership club Wasps.

The 29 year-old tighthead prop will join the Manchester-based Sharks on a three-year deal at the start of the 2019/20 season.

The RugbyPass Index ranks Cooper-Wooley as the 7th best tighthead in the Premiership with a score of 76, and 28th in the world.

Born in Surrey, Jake started his rugby career in the Harlequins Academy, leaving to focus on his academic studies at Cardiff University aged 18. Whilst at University in the Welsh Capital, the 6ft 3ins. powerhouse played at Cardiff RFC in the Welsh Premiership and also led the University to a Varsity Championship before signing for Wasps in 2013.

Jake had a stellar first season in the number 3 shirt which led to him winning the Young Player of the Year award, and he has since gone on to make 114 appearances to date for the Coventry based side.

Commenting on the announcement Jake said: "I have had a fantastic six years at Wasps and I would like to thank all the coaches and especially Dai Young for the opportunities I have had there.

"However, I feel like the time is right for me to have a change in my career and after meeting with Dimes and Dorian West and learning about the club’s ambitions, Sale looks like a great opportunity for me to challenge myself in a new environment.

"The club are on the up and hopefully I can play a big part in them having a successful future both domestically and in Europe.

Sale Director of Rugby Steve Diamond was pleased to secure Cooper-Woolley’s services for the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership. He said: "It’s a pleasure to have Jake joining us, his vast experience and ability not only in the scrum but around the field will be a massive asset to the club in our desire to become a consistent top 4 contender in the Gallagher Premiership."

Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Jake has been a real success story for us over the past six seasons after signing from the second tier of Welsh Rugby, and going on to make 122 appearances for Wasps shows how he’s really developed as a player during his time at the Club.

“We wish him all the best in the future on the field and also off the field, as he prepares to move up to Manchester with his girlfriend.”