Aviva Premiership
Sale bring in Georgian hooker Shalva Mamukashvili
ESPN Staff
August 15, 2014
Shalva Mamukashvili has been brought in as cover for the injured Tommy Taylor, pictured in action against Gloucester © Getty Images
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Sale Sharks have signed Georgian hooker Shalva Mamukashvili as cover for the injured Tommy Taylor.

Taylor impressed last season and was rewarded with a call-up to the England squad for the June match against the Barbarians, but the 22-year-old picked up a knee injury which could keep him out until after Christmas.

Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has been keen to bring in a replacement and Mamukashvili, who has 22 caps for Georgia and plays his club rugby for Armia, has been tasked with bringing his brand of aggression to the Sharks.

"With the knee injury Tommy Taylor sustained playing for England against the Barbarians keeping him out for six months I decided to bring in a top class hooker to add to the squad," Diamond said.

"Shalva is the current Georgian starting hooker who is very abrasive and aggressive in defence. He speaks fluent English and will also have Vadim Cobilas and Andrei Ostrikov to help him settle in.

"We have applied for the necessary visa and work permit and hopefully all the formalities will be completed quickly."

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