Sale prop Harper to join Newcastle at end of season

Sale Sharks tighthead prop James Harper is to join Newcastle Red Bulls on a two-year contract at the end of the season.

The Liverpool-born 25-year-old has scored three tries in 72 appearances for the Sharks since making his debut against London Irish in March 2021.

"I've enjoyed every minute of my time at Sale," he told their website., external "It's where I've been all of my professional career and I owe the club a lot

"The club has felt like home and I'm going to miss everyone, but now feels like a good time to embrace a new challenge."

Harper is the latest player to sign up for Newcastle for 2026-27 and he will follow friend Raffi Quirke in swapping the north west for the north east.

"Raf and I have lived together for a number of years" he told Newcastle's website., external

"He's one of my best mates and it will be great to be able to come up to Newcastle together, but we're obviously keen to finish the season strongly for Sale between now and then."