Rugby fans in the Premiership may be seeing Tolu Latu back in Europe this summer, as the Tongan-born hooker has expressed interest in returning to the continent.
The Sale Sharks have been linked to Latu, who is currently on the market for a move to the Premiership.
Latu had previously spent two and a half seasons with Stade Francais in the Top 14 league, before returning to his former team, the New South Wales (NSW) Waratahs, in Australia. The move came after he was released by the Paris-based outfit at the end of last season.
The French giants were unhappy with his on-field discipline – given red cards with one resulting in an 11-week ban for a reckless tackle.
The 29-year-old has also been caught drink-driving twice – once in France and once in Australia during his six years with NSW.
Now, with only a deal for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign in place, Latu is reportedly keen on making a return to Europe. The Rugby Paper reports that the Sharks have expressed interest in signing him for the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old hooker has had a controversial past, with disciplinary issues on and off the field.
However, Sale Sharks director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, has acknowledged that there are risks involved in signing Latu, but emphasized that the Sharks are willing to take them
Sale Sharks confirm FOUR departures:
#1. Jono Ross – retiring
The back-row forward, who joined Sale in 2017 from French side Stade Francais, will return to his native South Africa with his young family.
Ross, 32, who has played more than 150 games for the Sharks, has agreed an early release from his contract.
He said: “I will miss running out at the AJ Bell, but at some point your body tells you when it’s time to stop, and for me that time is now.”
Ross told the club’s website: “Since joining the club in 2017, Sale and Manchester have really become a home away from home for my family and I.
“We have absolutely loved our time at the club and living in Manchester. Both our children will have been born here so it will forever have a special place in our hearts.”