Aviva Premiership Rugby Union side the Sale Sharks have given the 28 year old Australian full back to finally make his move to the Premiership after snapping him up on a long term contract in the wake of his proposed move to the fellow Premiership side the Northampton Saints falling through amidst concerns over his fitness.
The full back had been struggling with constant wrist and groin injuries during the Super 15 season and The Saints believed that he would not be able to cope with the physical demands of European rugby.
The Sharks, citing an opportunity to snap up an exciting player, moved swiftly and offered the Australian a trial during their pre-season preparations and have now formally announced his signing. According to Bryan Redpath, the Director of Rugby of the Sale Sharks, Shepherd boasts of a lot of pedigree and the medical staff of the team was looking to get him fully fit by the time the new season of the Premiership kicked off. He also stated that the club is hoping that Shepherd is able to take full advantage of the opportunity that has been given to him and make a huge impact at the club.
The Sharks also announced the signing of Corne Uys, the 30 year old outside centre who made a swift return to the Aviva Premiership after his last club the Newcastle Falcons was relegated to the RFU Championship at the end of last season.
However, the signing of Cameron Shepherd was the news that hogged all the limelight. Furthermore, he and his agent are also trying to use his successful medical with the Sale Sharks as well as the opinion of orthopedic experts to sue the Northampton Saints for reneging on their agreement to sign him at the end of last season.