Crusader Hamilton lands at Tigers
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:00
New Zealand international Scott Hamilton has begun training with the Leicester Tigers after joining from the Crusaders, and the 28-year-old says the rest of the squad are already making him feel at home.
And Hamilton's arrival couldn't have come at a better time for Heyneke Meyer's men, who are amidst an injury crisis ahead of their crunch clash with Harlequins at Welford Road on Saturday.
"We have got a good squad here and the guys have been really good. It's been really enjoyable so far, which is the main thing," said Hamilton.
"It makes a big difference to your performance on the field if you are enjoying things and happy off it."
Hamilton has won two All Black caps and can play either at wing or fullback. He has also won three Super 14 titles with the Robbie Deans-coached Crusaders, and is now ready for a new challenge with the Tigers.
"I am feeling good and looking forward to getting back into it."
Head coach Heyneke Meyer said Hamilton's flexibility will give the Tigers different options.
"What's great about Scott is that he can play 15 and wing. He is an experienced fullback and gives us more options there," said Meyer.
Hamilton will be hoping to be in contention for his Tigers debut in the Premiership game against Harlequins on Saturday, as Leicester face a rather dire injury crisis, not to mention the void left by players on international duty.
"It is mainly the forwards that I am worried about," Meyer told the Leicester Mercury.
"The England guys who are sent back don't arrive with us until today, so it will be difficult to play them having trained with us for only a couple of days.
"Suddenly we are very thin on the ground and are suddenly really under pressure."
With thanks to tigers.co.uk
