Aviva Premiership
Sharks swoop for Shepherd and Uys
ESPN Staff
August 15, 2012
Western Force fullback Cameron Shepherd brushes aside all before him, Reds v Western Force, Super Rugby, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia, February 20, 2011
Cameron Shepherd was set to join Northampton Saints but has now signed for their Premiership rivals Sale Sharks © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Cameron Shepherd | Corne Uys
Tournaments/Tours: Anglo-Welsh Cup | Aviva Premiership

Sale Sharks have strengthened their squad on the eve of the new Aviva Premiership season with the signing of Cameron Shepherd and Corne Uys.

Shepherd, a former Australia international who can play wing and fullback, was poised to swap Super Rugby outfit the Western Force for Premiership side Northampton earlier this month only for the Saints to pull out of the deal due to concerns about the player's fitness.

However, Sale chief executive Steve Diamond and director of rugby Bryan Redpath are prepared to give the 28-year-old the chance to prove his fitness and hope that he will bolster their title bid.

"It's a pleasure to have Cameron on board. He's an experienced back three player who adds to our strength in depth," said Diamond. "We realised that he was available and decided to invite him to Sale Sharks to train with us."

Redpath added, "Cameron has got great pedigree. We're hoping to get him fully fit, so that he can seize the opportunity to make a big impact for this club."

The 30-year-old Uys joins from Newcastle Falcons, having made the switch from South African Super Rugby side the Cheetahs last year, and will play at outside centre. "I looked at Corne when I rejoined the club," explained Diamond. "We need depth among the backs to meet that challenge of the three major competitions in which we are involved, and Corne will get decent 'game time' through the year.

Redpath added, "Corne will give us extra cover as a specialist thirteen and will work with Will Addison. He has Premiership experience, possesses a sound skill set and is very knowledgeable. He's fitted in very well and we're looking forward to seeing him play here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices