Sale Sharks sign All Blacks hopeful to replace Raffi Quirke

The 27-year-old arrives at Sale after building a strong reputation in New Zealand rugby. Although officially uncapped by the All Blacks, Roe represented the All Blacks XV during their 2025 tour, featuring against the Barbarians and Uruguay.

He will serve as a replacement for the departing Raffi Quirke, who is set to join Newcastle Red Bulls next season from his boyhood club.

Roe said: “I’ve been at the Chiefs for a long time and I’m at a stage in my career where I want to try something new. I want to experience a new environment, new players and another country and I can’t wait to get started at an awesome club like Sale Sharks.

“I know Sale has a very good forward pack, which is great for a scrum-half, but I was really impressed with what Alex said about the way the club has a real family feel off the field.

“I like to think I’m a game driver and I know how to put the team in the right areas of the pitch. I think when I was younger I was a running half-back but I’ve learned the importance of giving the forwards a platform so they can do their thing.

“There are so many fantastic international players at Sale and I can’t wait to get going.”

Sale Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson believes Roe will add significant quality to the squad.

“Xavier will bring real quality to the squad. He’s maybe not a player all of our fans will know too much about but if you scratch below the surface of the current All Blacks squad, he’s right there and you don’t get there unless you’re absolute quality.

“His delivery is excellent and his ability to be the bridge between the forwards and backs is excellent, as is his kicking game and his decision-making.

“It’s a big move for him and a big commitment to come over, but we’re getting him at the peak of his powers and we’re really exciting to get him here to see what he can do.”

Roe grew up in Pauanui and came through the renowned Hamilton Boys’ High School rugby system, beginning his rugby journey as a fly-half before moving to scrum-half.

He started his senior career with Taranaki before joining Waikato in 2020, where he has gone on to make more than 50 appearances.

At Super Rugby level, Roe has played more than 50 matches for the Chiefs since making his debut against the Highlanders in 2021. He has scored seven tries and featured in the 2024 and 2025 Super Rugby final defeats.

On the international stage, Roe represented New Zealand at the 2018 U20 World Cup, making four appearances and scoring against Wales and Japan as his side finished fourth.

In late 2025, Roe was called into the full All Blacks squad by head coach Scott Robertson as injury cover during The Rugby Championship.

He also represented the All Blacks XV on their 2025 tour, starting and scoring against the Barbarians while also featuring against Uruguay.