Sale have welcomed loan signing Onasai Auva'a to the club and the Kiwi has revealed he wants a long-term switch to Edgeley Park.
Kiwi flanker looking to make big splash at Edgeley Park
Sale have welcomed loan signing Onasai Auva'a to the club and the New Zealander has revealed he is hoping to secure a long-term switch to Edgeley Park.
After a frustrating wait, the explosive Kiwi flanker has finally linked up with his news Sharks team-mates and is set to be in the selection mix for Friday's crucial Premiership home clash with Exeter Chiefs.
The 26-year-old has already made a big impact and Sale director of sport, Steve Diamond, has been hugely impressed with Auva'a's performance in training.
"We can already tell from training that he looks a hell of a player," Diamond told the
Manchester Evening News. "He's a Super 15 player and will bring even more quality to our back row."
The 26-year-old flanker - who has jetted over with his wife and new baby son - was originally signed on a short-term loan deal as cover for the injured Hendre Fourie, but has revealed he is hoping to press his case for a longer-term Edgeley Park contract.
"I am just so excited to be here - to have signed up with Sale is such a great feeling," Auva'a stated.
"It's a big family decision and I have moved over with my family and our new son. I'm on a trial period which is really good and I know Sale wouldn't want to invest in someone who doesn't perform.
Take opportunities
"It pushes me to the edge and to take every opportunity that comes my way and I'm hoping to extend my contract in three months time and stay for longer.
"I'm going to try and put up my hand and whatever opportunity I get I'm going to try and take it.
"The European style of rugby is a lot different from back home but it's enjoyable and I've already found the guys are a lot more fitter over here than back home.
"Hopefully I can bring with me some of the skills I learnt back home in New Zealand. I'm a true fetcher of the ball and like to get turnovers and I think I can bring that element over here along with my speed."
Sale's preparations for the Exeter clash were disrupted on Tuesday after hooker Joe Ward, who has only just returned after a calf problem, sustained a nasty cut to his heel.
The front-rower saw his heel split open after catching a stray stud in training, causing what Diamond described as a "horrendous injury". It is not yet known how long Ward will be sidelined.
