Christ Tshiunza signs for Sale Sharks for 2026/27 season

Exeter Chiefs lock Christ Tshiunza has agreed a move to Sale Sharks for the 2026/27 season.

The 24-year-old has made over 50 appearances since his club debut in September 2021 having caught the eye of the Exeter coaches upon his arrival at the University of Exeter and EURFC.

Tshiunza said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Chiefs over the past five seasons. Being able to play alongside some of my best mates has been incredibly special, and it’s a club where I’ve learned a lot and achieved some great things.

“That said, I’m looking forward to exploring a new chapter in my playing career.

“I’m fully fit now and can’t wait to get back out there with the boys and hopefully finish the season strong with some trophies to show for it.”

Born in Congo but raised in Wales, Tshiunza was convinced to pick up a rugby ball by his classmates at school. Soon after, he was selected for the Cardiff Schools U15s squad, and his rugby career was set on a fast trajectory.

Standing at 6ft 6in tall, the second rower is a natural athlete. Originally a part of the Cardiff Rugby Academy, Tshiunza was convinced to make the switch to Exeter by Rob Baxter. Just months on from making his EURFC debut, the young prospect made his Chiefs debut in the opening game of the 2021/22 season.

His early performances for Chiefs caught the eye of then Wales coach Wayne Pivac and Tshiunza made his international debut at the Principality Stadium against Fiji in the 2021 Autumn Nations Cup. He then went on to represent his adoptive country in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

In his time as a Chief, Tshiunza has grasped silverware as a part of the 2022/23 Prem Cup winning squad who defeated London Irish in overtime at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Having made his injury return in the competition a fortnight ago, Tshiunza will continue with Chiefs for the current season before making the switch to Manchester in the summer.