Joe Marchant eyes sensational 2027 Rugby World Cup return with England as Sale Sharks move confirmed for 2026/27 season
By Leon Imber
Published 26/11/2025 at 17:06 GMT
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Joe Marchant will return to England and the Gallagher PREM next season after committing his future to Sale Sharks. Since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the 29-year-old centre has represented Stade Francais Paris in the Top 14, making him ineligible for England selection. However, ahead of the 2027 tournament in Australia, Marchant has put himself back in contention for Steve Borthwick's side.
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Joe Marchant revealed his hopes to represent England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup as his move to Sale Sharks was confirmed on Wednesday.
The explosive England centre will join the Gallagher PREM side from the start of the 2026/27 season, signing a deal until 2029.
Marchant has not appeared for England since clinching the bronze medal at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
His subsequent move from Harlequins to Stade Francais rendered him unavailable to represent Steve Borthwick's side under Rugby Football Union (RFU) eligibility regulations.
The 29-year-old, who has won 26 international caps, recognised he must impress for his new club if he is to make a sensational international return.
"When I spoke to Alex Sanderson [Sale's director of rugby] he explained the direction he wants to take the club and the ambition he has," Marchant said. "It’s a club that wants to win trophies and I’d love to be a part of that.
"Sale have always been a tough team to play against, so I’m really looking forward being a part of that next season.
"There are a lot of lads at the club who I’ve played and trained with for England and it’ll be great to play with them again. They have some of the best players in the country and I can’t wait to play with them.
"I’d love to get back in the mix for England, but I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the Prem and put in some good performances for Sale."
Prior to his move to France, Marchant made more than 150 appearances for Harlequins, and played a seismic role in their 2021 PREM triumph, as they secured a dramatic clinching victory over Exeter Chiefs.
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He has gone on to amass over 50 appearances for Stade Francais, and his side currently sit third in the Top 14 standings.
Sanderson said: "Joe is a world-class player. He’s got aspirations to play in the next World Cup and to do that he needs to play for a team that’s competing for the Prem. He believes that’s us.
"He’s got X-Factor on both sides of the ball and in the air. He’s got real gas and if we find him in that outside channel, he’ll make something happen. But his ability to read the game defensively is just as impressive.
"He’s excited about playing outside George Ford. He’s some player and we can’t wait to get him here."
Five games into the season, Sale sit seventh in the PREM standings, and host Exeter Chiefs on Friday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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