Sale Sharks sign Lions skipper Louw

Sale Sharks have bolstered their backline for the 2025/26 season with the signing of South African centre Marius Louw from URC side the Emirates Lions. 

The powerful 29-year-old, who regularly captains the Lions, has signed a two-year deal to join Alex Sanderson’s side from the start of next season. 

Bloemfontein-born Marius has played his entire career in South Africa, starting off with the HollywoodBet Sharks before moving to the Lions in 2022. 

And he says he had no plans to leave Johannesburg until the call from Sale Sharks came. 

Marius said: “When Sale asked to speak to me, it was an incredible feeling for a club like that to want me. I believe things happen at the right time for you and that was the case with me, that it just happened at the right time, with the right club. 

“The meeting with Alex was an amazing experience for me. We had such a good talk about the culture and environment at the club but in the city as well. We talked about how the city is and how the club is really trying to make a difference in the community. 

“When the contract came through it was a feeling I can’t really explain. It’s such a prestigious club with a rich history and so many fantastic players and brilliant fans who care passionately.  

“It’s clearly an amazing environment and I’m excited to do the best that I can.” 

Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Marius is part of one the best back lines in South Africa and so much of that comes down to him, because he makes everyone around him look brilliant. 

“We’re getting an experienced centre whose collision dominance statistics are as good as anyone in the world. On top of that, he’s been a captain, he’s a leader and he’s played with most of our South African players and it feels like a perfect fit and the perfect move for him and for us. 

“Our game suits him but he’ll also be fantastic for our young back line because he’s got plenty of experience.  

“When we talk to a player, most of it is around the person they are, their values, whether it’ll be the right fit for both parties and we ticked every box with him. We’ve got a real player here and I can only see him being a massive success.”