Sharks boss hunting star's signature
Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:15
Philippe Saint-Andre says he is hard at work trying to persuade All Black star Luke McAlister to stay at the Sharks for another year.
The powerful centre has been in brilliant form for Sale so far this season but, with his contract expiring at the end of the current campaign, the clubs Director of Rugby clearly knows it is in his best interests to extend the 24-year-olds deal.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has already been very public about his dislike of players plying their trade overseas and even suggested that McAlister would not be in the running should he be back in New Zealand anyway.
While that seems very hard to believe it has not doubt provided some much needed ammunition for Saint-Andre in his quest to keep the 22-time capped star at Edgeley Park.
The French international says that he is convinced the former Auckland star has improved as a player since moving to Stockport and that his ability to performance at international level will also not doubt have also benefitted from his time abroad.
"Luke has improved as a player since he arrived. He is very happy here," Saint-Andre told the Daily Express.
"We want to keep everything clear for the Munster game but we will speak to him next week about the future.
"It will be good for his international rugby if he stays. He will understand the northern hemisphere mentality better."
