Force's Shepherd to play for Northampton

Updated May 22, 2012 22:01:30

Versatile Western Force utility Cameron Shepherd is to join Northampton as a direct replacement for England wing Chris Ashton who is leaving the Premiership side to join London outfit Saracens.

Shepherd has won nine caps for the Wallabies and can also play at full-back as well as providing another option in the goal-kicking ranks.

The 28-year-old is the leading points scorer for the Force and will move to Northampton at the end of the Super Rugby season.

"Cameron is a very talented player who has shown regularly that he has the ability and temperament to compete at the highest level," Northhampton's director of rugby Jim Mallinder said.

"He has a positive impact for his team's attacking capability but is also solid defensively and under the high ball. His versatility and quality will give us added depth in the back three positions.

Shepherd said: "It's an exciting opportunity for me.

"Jim has got the team playing a great brand of rugby which I believe suits my style of play and to which I think I've got a lot to offer.

"It is definitely going to be a new challenge for me. The Premiership is a tough competition and there are a lot of teams which like to play exciting rugby, especially the Saints.

"You can see that with the quality of player that there is at the club, players like Ben Foden and George Pisi, who are established internationals."

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted May 22, 2012 22:01:30

View the original article here

Shepherd out of season opener

Updated February 22, 2012 17:56:40

Western Force full-back Cameron Shepherd has been ruled out of Friday night's Super Rugby match with the Brumbies in Canberra through injury.

Shepherd featured in last week's trial loss to Queensland, but was restricted to light duties this week after picking up a slight strain in his leg.

His spot in the run-on side has been taken by Alfie Mafi, with former half-back James Stannard named at five-eighth following the preseason departure of Willie Ripia.

Former skipper Nathan Sharpe has recovered from his calf complaint and will partner Toby Lynn in the second row, with regular lock Sam Wykes (hamstring) ruled out.

Marquee winger and Fijian international Napolioni Nalaga will make his Force debut, as will Lynn, prop Salesi Ma'afu and outside centre Winston Stanley.

Hooker Elvis Taione, lock Phoenix Battye, back rower Angus Cottrell, five-eighth Ben Seymour and outside back Sam Wara will also make their debuts if they are required off the bench.

Western Force squad: Alfie Mafi, Nick Cummins, Winston Stanley, Rory Sidey, Napolioni Nalaga, James Stannard, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, David Pocock (captain), Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma'au, Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan

Reserves: Elvis Taione, Kieran Longbottom, Phoenix Battye, Angus Cottrell, Justin Turner, Ben Seymour, Sam Wara

AAP

Tags: super-14, rugby-union, sport, perth-6000

First posted February 22, 2012 17:56:40

View the original article here

Shepherd back to bolster Force

Posted May 23, 2011 17:46:00

Western Force full-back Cameron Shepherd has been given the green light to return for the club's two-match Super Rugby trip to New Zealand after overcoming a niggling knee injury.

Shepherd has been out for three weeks with the complaint but will reclaim his place for Friday's clash with the Hurricanes in Palmerston North.

But the Force will be without prop Pek Cowan, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after fracturing his cheekbone in last Saturday's 13-13 draw with the Brumbies in Perth.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, perth-6000

View the original article here