Sale Sharks have signed academy prospect Ralph McEachran after the loosehead prop was left without a club following the suspension of London Irish from the Gallagher Premiership.
The England u18 international, who joined the Exiles at 14 after starting his rugby journey at Guildford Rugby Club, will join up with the Sharks Senior Academy.
Ralph said: “This is a great opportunity for me and I’m confident that with the coaches and players at this club, I can really develop as a person and as a rugby player here.
“I’m really excited about the challenge ahead.”
Standing at 191cm and weighing 108kg, Ralph recently tasted success as part of the Exiles’ under-18 squad that lifted the Premiership Rugby Under-18 Academy League.
He has represented England at age-grade level, taking to the field in the 2023 u18 Six Nations Festival and also in friendly ties against both France and Wales.
Sale Sharks Academy Manager Fergus Mulchrone said: “We identified Ralph earlier in the year playing for Irish U18s in the Academy league final and were impressed with him again playing for England U18s.
“He played back row up until a year ago so he’s a newly converted loosehead prop. That’s testament to what he has achieved in such a short space of time.
“He has a great frame to build upon and enjoys the physical aspects of the game so is certainly in the right place. We’re looking forward to seeing him develop over the next few years and getting some good game time at one of our North West loan clubs.”
