'I felt it was time for a change' - Cowan-Dickie signs for Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of England and British and Irish Lions hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie from Exeter Chiefs for the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season.

The 30-year-old, who played 165 times for the Chiefs and scored 41 tries, will join Sale after sustaining an injury that ruled him out of the upcoming World Cup. Luke's journey began as a loosehead prop before transitioning to the hooker position. He spent a dual-registered period at Plymouth Albion and quickly rose through the ranks to feature in Rob Baxter's first team.

The front rower made his international debut in 2015 and has since earned 41 caps for England. Notably, he played a crucial role in England's remarkable campaign that led them to the final of the 2019 World Cup.

Additionally, Cowan-Dickie's outstanding performances earned him a spot in the 2021 British and Irish Lions squad for their tour of South Africa, where he played in all three test matches against the formidable world champions.

“I’ve been at the same club for 13 years and I felt it was time for a change," said Cowan-Dickie. "This is the perfect move for me and I can’t wait to get started.

“I know Jonny (Hill) and Tom (O’Flaherty) 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 said: “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.”