Sharks to sign Welsh prop Smith

Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign Welsh international prop Nicky Smith from the start of the 2026/27 season.

The 31-year-old loosehead has signed a three-contract deal and will join Alex Sanderson’s squad after completing the current season with Leicester Tigers.

Nicky was born in Swansea, where he played his amateur rugby with his home club, Waunarlwydd RFC, before representing Aberavon.

He began his professional career playing for Ospreys in 2012, making 200 appearances before leaving the URC side ahead of the 2024/25 season to join Tigers. 

In his time at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Nicky has played 31 times. Last season he was named in the Gallagher Prem team of the year, selected by a panel of broadcasters, journalists and RPA representatives. 

On the international scene, Nicky made his senior Test debut for Wales in 2014 against Fiji. He’s gone on to win 59 caps and featured in two games in the recent Autumn Nations Series.

Nicky said: “I spoke to Alex Sanderson and I loved how ambitious he was about what the club wants to achieve. It’s really exciting to be joining a team that is so clear about wanting to win things and compete for every trophy.

“As an opposition player, Sale is always a really tough place to go and as a forward, you know that you need to front up. I’m looking forward to being part of that team from next season.

“Sale have so many quality international players, especially in the front row so I can’t wait to play and train with those lads because I know that will help my game. I feel like I’m playing my best rugby at the moment but I know I can still improve.

“Hopefully I’ll have my best years in a Sale shirt.”

Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Nicky has been one of the most aggressive, consistent, high-quality scrummagers in the Prem over the past couple of years.

“He’s caused us a lot of trouble when we’ve played Leicester in that period and we’ve always felt that we’d love to have him here. He’s quality in the set-piece but he’s agile and mobile and good around the park too.

“He comes with a lot of experience in the Prem and at international level. Our ambitions to compete for trophies and his ambitions to continue to get better and to play in World Cups are aligned.

“Off the field we’ve heard nothing but good things about him so we can’t wait to start working with him.”