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Sheri’s in demand

Jenny Dixon
28/11/2007

SHARKS prop Andrew Sheridan has been a man in demand over the last week.

Other clubs were vying for the Stockport juggernaut’s services but it was Sharks who secured the gentle giant’s signature on a three-year deal, with an option of a fourth, last week.

Sheridan (pictured) also fended off tough competition, from both rugby codes, to claim the title of best rugby player at the BBC North West Sports awards, held on Monday night.

Little wonder then that the Barbarians too wanted him, to front-up against World Cup winners South Africa this weekend, although that has proved a controversial issue (see back page for details).

Modest Sheridan’s profile has grown since the recent World Cup.

The prop, who was yellow-carded during Sharks’ win at Worcester, does not appear particularly comfortable with the public profile that being a talented England front-row brings.

However, the limelight has proved increasingly difficult to avoid.

Sharks chief executive James Jennings said of Sheridan’s most recent accolade, from the BBC: "I think it’s a great achievement. Sometimes the achievements of forwards are not fully recognised.

"This award justifiably reflects all the hard work he put in getting back to full fitness and his fantastic contribution during the World Cup."

PHILIPPE Saint-Andre’s squad face a tough test against Leicester Tigers on Friday night in the last group match of the EDF Energy Cup.

Sharks director of rugby said: "It will be tough. It is like a quarter final because if they win Leicester will be in the semi-final. It is a big challenge for us.

"If we beat Leicester we have a chance to qualify if Bath beat Cardiff.

"But it is always a big test in Leicester. I think we need to see where we are physically and mentally.

"We will try to pick a very strong team, we will go there to try and play a good game and if we have an opportunity to win we will do it."

Sebastien Chabal is not yet 100 per cent fit.

The French back-row is still struggling with a shoulder problem that forced him off the pitch at half-time against Worcester.

RETIRED Sharks skipper Jason Robinson, who earned a special Judges’ award at the BBC region’s celebration of sport, has recovered from a shoulder injury sustained during the World Cup in time to play from the Barbarians against South Africa on Saturday.

It will be the England star’s final game on the world stage.