Browse Sections

• Stockport County FC
• Sale Sharks
• Local football
• Local cricket

'Foden has skills to be Lions full-back'

Jenny Dixon
19/ 3/2008

SHARKS boss Philippe Saint-Andre described Ben Foden’s impending departure as the ‘biggest disappointment’ of his coaching career.

On his first start after a four-month injury lay-off, full-back Foden scored a decisive try against Gloucester, and made a number of impressive breaks.

But Foden will join Northampton Saints at the end of the season on a personal quest to secure a regular spot at scrum-half, his preferred position.

Saint-Andre, himself a former international winger, believes this is a mistake.

He said: "I think it is a shame he was injured with England Sevens. If not he would be full-back for England at the moment and he would have stayed with us, because I think he is just a fantastic player.

"I have coached for nine years and my biggest disappointment is to not keep him.

"In nine years I have kept the players I wanted to keep.

"I did everything, but he wanted to play scrum-half. I think he is a fantastic full-back and he is potentially a [British and Irish] Lions full-back.

"It’s a shame, it is just about timing, because I think if he wasn’t injured he would be full-back for England at the moment.

"They haven’t found anyone to replace Jason Robinson since he retired."

Foden injured his shoulder while playing for the England Sevens side in December.

But bafflingly Saint-Andre is not giving up hope just yet.

"We’ll see," he added. "Maybe he’ll get picked for England for the tour and change his mind and stay with us."

There was one player Saint-Andre was delighted to see returned from international duty - flyhalf Charlie Hodgson, who kicked 17 points to secure the victory against league leaders Gloucester.

"I can’t lie, we had a smile on our faces on Tuesday when they announced the England team and didn’t pick Charlie. It’s a shame for him but fantastic for the squad and for the players.

"I think Hodgson was man of the match today. He was very good in attack, very good in defence and played a good kicking game.

"Thank you England for giving us back Charlie for this game!

"I am sorry for him because he played 10 minutes against Scotland and he did nothing wrong but, for the club and for Sale Sharks, he was very important."