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Larrechea eyeing a bit more luck

19/ 7/2006

THE dust has barely had time to settle on the Premiership trophy, but already Sharks players are eyeing their next prize.

Determined not to be one-season wonders, Philippe Saint-Andre's men are back in training and looking to the future, rather than pursuing the more egocentric trait of revelling in the past, which can prove a costly mistake for sports teams.

A cruelly-timed Achilles injury prevented Frenchman Daniel Larrechea from participating in last season's Twickenham final but rather then dampen the full-back's spirit it has boosted his resolve to ensure Sale Sharks replicate last season's league success.

Larrechea, who is back in training after an injury-hit latter half of the season, said: "I'm really happy to be back because it was quite a long time to be out and it was frustrating to miss the semi-final and final last season.

"This year I hope I'll be a little bit more lucky.

"I couldn't run or walk without pain so I had to stop training, but now everything is alright.

"I'm a little bit tired and a little bit too fat so I will work hard with Nick [Johnston - fitness coach] and I think we'll do a good job.

"My aim is to be in a new final this season."

Even players who were part of the title-winning team are unwilling to bask in former glories.

"It's forgotten about now," explained prop Barry Stewart. "The trophy is up for grabs again."

But, Stewart conceded, the moment Sharks clinched the Guinness Premiership trophy at Twickenham was a highlight of his four-year career at the Edgeley Park club.

He explained: "It was an incredible atmosphere to play in front of 70,000 people.

"You usually only do that when you have got your country's colours on but to be wearing your club colours made it even more special."