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Fight for Ben

Jenny Dixon
17/ 4/2008

THE fight to keep Ben Foden at Edgeley Park is not over yet, according to Philippe Saint-Andre.

In February, Northampton Saints annouced that Foden was to join them at the end of the season, in order to pursue his ambitions at scrum-half, rather than at full-back - the position Sharks coaches believe he will excel in at international level.

But, after Foden scored Sharks’ only try in their 29-19 loss against London Wasps on Tuesday night, Saint-Andre hinted that the Saints’ move is not yet a done deal.

And Sharks’ director of rugby is hoping he can persuade the club’s academy product to stay.

"I still hope Ben will change his mind," said the former France captain. "Maybe if England say he needs to play full-back he will stay with us.

"He is an unbelievable full-back. He is our best scorer in the Guinness Premiership, and he missed three months because he hurt his shoulder with [England] Sevens. Every time he has the ball he is fantastic.

"He gets better and better in this position and I told him if he stays at full-back he will be full-back for England for the next six years."

Sharks’ quest to keep Foden could be aided by the presence of England director of rugby Rob Andrew at Adams Park.

Andrew witnessed another impressive display by Foden in the 15 shirt, a berth England have struggled to fill since Sharks’ former captain Jason Robinson retired.

Saints have signed three scrum-halves, including Foden, for next season. The other new recruits are Alan Dickens, from Saracens, and Lee Dickson, from Newcastle.

It means that, just as at Sale, Foden would be competing with two other players for the number nine shirt.

Saint-Andre added: "I sat down with [Foden] and explained that my only worry is that he is going to Northampton, who signed him to play scrum-half, and after two games they will put him at full-back.

"That would be the worst. I don’t want to play Northampton next year with Foden at full-back for them."

Yesterday [Weds] newly promoted side Northampton attempted to quash the speculation that Foden may stay at Sharks, by confirming that he had signed a "full contract" and said they are looking forward to his arrival this summer.

Foden’s future is not Saint-Andre’s sole concern.

After the 10-point defeat at Wasps failed to earn Sharks a losing bonus point, the Stockport-based team dropped out of the Premiership’s top four play-off spots.

To be in with a chance of competing for the league trophy, Sharks must win their three remaining fixtures, starting at home against Newcastle Falcons on Sunday (kick-off 3.30pm).

The task will be made more difficult by injuries sustained by four Sharks forwards on Tuesday. Captain Jason White (groin), prop Lionel Faure, Chris Jones (rib) and Nathan Bonner-Evans (shoulder) all had to leave the pitch.

But White, who must have a scan to assess the extent of his injury, was not discouraged by defeat at Wasps.

"It was an outstanding effort from the guys," explained the Scotland skipper. "We had a short turnaround from the Bristol game and we threw absolutely everything at it.

"We’re just disappointed that we didn’t come away with a bonus point.

"[Adams Park] is a tough place to come. Wasps have great players and a great pedigree. We were challenging the game, it was in the balance right to the end. There’s still a lot to play for this season."