Cardiff's bid to retain Christ Tshiunza faces a fierce challenge from a Premier League club. The Sale Sharks are poised to poach the Welsh international openside from the Exeter Chiefs when his contract expires later this year. The Chiefs are set to release Tshiunza, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as they navigate EQP regulations. Director of rugby Rob Baxter must maintain an average of 15 EQP players. The 24-year-old flanker, who attended Whitchurch High School in Cardiff and was part of Cardiff's academy, has been plagued by injuries at Sandy Park and has been out of action since September due to a recurring foot problem. The Sharks are also in the running to sign Tomas Lavanini, a 33-year-old enforcer from Los Pumas, who is spending a season with the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific. This move would be a significant setback for Cardiff, who had planned for Tshiunza to replace Ben Donnell, who is heading to United Rugby Championship rivals Ulster next season. The Sharks have already secured six new signings, including Welsh international loose-head Nicky Smith, who is joining from the Leicester Tigers.
