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Wales and Sharks

Jenny Dixon
25/ 6/2008

NEW signing Nick Macleod hasn’t had chance to explore his new hometown yet.

Utility back Macleod has been thrown straight into tough pre-season training, meaning rest and early nights are a must for the next few weeks.

"I’ve not had a night out as yet," explained 25-year-old Macleod. "Everybody is probably petrified about what pre-season holds and we’re still a bit nervous about what is in store for us. The first week has been a bit of a shock to the system - savage - so I think guys will be staying off the drink for a while.  The first week is always a shocker but once you get the first couple of weeks out of the way all of the aches and pains go away. Early nights are the order of the day."

Despite the tough regime, Macleod, who can play at fly-half, inside centre or full-back, has no doubts he made the right move leaving Wales for Stockport.

"I still had a year left on my contract but Sale spoke to my agent," he explained. "I’ve always had aspirations to play in the Premiership and if I had a choice of club it was obviously going to be Sharks. I was over the moon when they came in with an offer. It was a no brainer as far as I was concerned, as long as Cardiff would release me I knew I definitely wanted to do it."

There were a few familiar faces from Sharks’ Welsh contingent to greet Macleod last week, including his old school-friend Lee Thomas, and head coach Kingsley Jones, who Macleod played alongside in a Welsh invitational tour.

Macleod is eyeing the 15 jersey but his talents as a utility back mean he will be a flexible addition to the Sharks’ squad.

"I like to play at 15 but [the coaches] said they still want me to be able to play at 10 and 12," explained the Wales Sevens player. You can never guarantee positions, there is always competition for places but obviously with Julien Laharrague and Ben Foden leaving there’s an opportunity to step into the full-back position.

"I’ll be fighting it out with a few guys I’m sure."

Name: Nick Macleod age: 25
Former club: Cardiff Blues
Position: 10, 12 or 15.
Signed for: Two years
Did you know? Macleod is renting the Altrincham home of former Sharks prop Ben Evans, who has moved to France.

Name: Dwayne Peel Age: 26
Former club: Llanelli Scarlets
Position: Scrum-half
Signed for: Three years
Wales international - 61 caps.
Did you know? Dwayne is currently living with Luke McAlister while his new house is being refurbished.