News

Lamont's recovery road to end

August 06 2008

Sale and Scotland finisher Rory Lamont is set to make his long-awaited comeback in the club's pre-season game against Perpignan on Wednesday.

The wing or full-back, who was in scintillating form during Rugby World Cup 2007 and the Six Nations, injured himself in the Calcutta Cup game against England last season when he collided with Iain Balshaw.

And Director of Rugby Philippe Saint-Andre admitted he's delighted to have his international back in the playing mix ahead of the new term.

"Rory has worked with Steve Walsh and the conditioning team on his rehab," he said, speaking to the Sharks' official website.

"He also had a minor knee operation to clean up the joint and he is really looking forward to the new season."

Elsewhere in the Guinness Premiership, James Bailey has opted to leave Gloucester in search of regular first-team rugby.

The England U21 wing has been largely a fringe player at Kingsholm since signing from Bristol back in 2004, but still managed to score thirteen tries for the Cherry and Whites.

Yet with tough competition including Lesley Vainikolo, Chris Paterson, Mark Foster, James Simpson-Daniel and Balshaw, the 24-year-old has turned down a new deal in order to become a free agent.