Jediboy says...

graham53 -well said. Common sense at last.

Posted 21:07 18th August 2012

ArmchairGeneral says...

@Lawynd No evidence Shepherd played down an injury?? I hope you are right.

Posted 09:17 18th August 2012

passtheball says...

Jediboy - there is no guarantee for a car or a player that they wont breakdown on the first run or last 10 years with no problem. Anyone in rugby knew that Shepherd has been injured often and so should have the club. Looks like they got cold feet after signing the contract. That's poor business skills and a lawyer might make some money there - even if Sheppard doesn't?

He is a fine player so I hope he has an injury free season at Sale.

Posted 06:42 18th August 2012

5Lock4ward says...

Your points are all valid about the business side of it and how the Saints had the right to terminate the contract. The only reason I look at it suspiciously is b/c they did the same thing w/ Van Niekerk in the past and proved to be wrong.

@NHSaints, Sure Manoa didn't HAVE to take the contract but could you imagine a player from an established rugby nation being forced to make that choice? And why is no clear answer provided as to why he wasn't available during this summer tour? He signed a new contract and the IRB states a player must be made available during regular test windows.

@Jediboy, I don't know if I agree that the Saints had better props. I think it's a combination of the fact that they had top notch props (Brian Mujati at the time) combined w/ the fact that Murray informed the club regarding his desire to not play on Sundays.

Posted 01:11 18th August 2012

Jediboy says...

It'll be interesting to see if Shepprd does pursue any legal action. Or when the dust settles will he just let it go when he realises its pointless? As I recall, Saracens didn't pursue any legal action over the Tonga'huia saga despite threatening too (I think I'm right in saying this).

I think that part of the reason Murray went was because he wasnt first choice anymore. Saints had better props.

But coming back to Sheppard, if an injury has been discovered then it makes sense to cancel the contract. If you agreed to buy a car, but then found out it was always breaking down, you would buy it would you???

Posted 20:29 17th August 2012

NHsaints says...

This is a hard one to call but I don't think people appreciate what Northampton are doing here...they're run as a business, by businessmen (financially speaking) and they are one of the clubs that turn out the largest profits annually from the ticket and merchandise sales and have very little money pumped into them compared to some clubs...if they feel like they were being done over by shepherd who is most definitely unfit at the minute then they are within their rights to terminate the contract, especially if there was a contract clause (which it seems is likely) for doing so. Everyone knows Shepherd is past his sellby date and unlikely to regain both fitness and form for the coming season. Then take into account that they've built a squad of internationals from low budget signings and not big SR or international names and mix it all together and suddenly (at least to me) it seems that they are justified in letting him go. On the subject of manoa; yes he was forced to choose professionalism over playing for his country but bear in mind NH had Foden, Ashton, Hartley, Lawes, Wood, Tonguiha, Pisi ect away at the world cup and Samu was brought in to cover back row and second row absences then it makes perfect sense...afterall, he didn't HAVE to take the contract.

Posted 15:27 17th August 2012

leinsterblue says...

surely, though, if the club are not sure of a player's fitness, they are right to pull the plug on the deal...if, as the article states, it was a generous 3 year contract, then they have every right to get their value for money from him?...flip side is that some of Northampton's player management skills have not been seen in the best of light over the last few seasons...

Posted 14:15 17th August 2012

TheTruthHurts says...

Typical 2 faced hypocritical liars Northampton are!

Posted 12:48 17th August 2012

5Lock4ward says...

From what I understand Northampton home games are the greatest rugby available in terms of the crowd's respect for the game; which to me means they have the best fans. That said I see a rather disturbing trend from the Saints management. First they get rid of Joe Van Niekerk claiming he had a back problem. Big Joe goes on to Toulon where he's been in rampaging form ever since. Then Euan Murray is not released to join up with the Lions squad in time for the pre tour gathering like every other Lion from every other team was. Then the Saints sign Samu Manoa from the USA and force him to decide between going pro and representing his country at the RWC, also shady circumstances surrounding his non-availability for this passed summer tour. Now this. What's the deal? Great fan-base, great players, great product on the pitch. Shoddy management tactics. A shame really. Not helping their karma come elimination round time.

Posted 11:54 17th August 2012