Newcastle Falcons acquire Michael Mayhew to strengthen squad for 2011/12 season – Rugby News
The Kingston Park based English club, Newcastle Falcons, has announced the signing of New Zealand born hooker, Michael Mayhew, to strengthen their squad for their 2011/12 domestic and European campaigns.
The Falcons closely survived Aviva Premiership relegation at the end of the 2010/11 Aviva Premiership season and are building a strong squad to improve their performance in the top-level premiership. Officials at the club have confirmed the signing of the talented back row forwards’ player Mayhew, in a statement released on their website.
Falcons head coach, Alan Tait, has expressed his delight on signing Mayhew.
Mayhew plays for New Zealand’s Rugby Union (NZRU) provincial side North Harbour. Commenting on his game-play, Tait said, “I've looked at the videos of him playing for North Harbour and he is a quality player.”
Tait further added, “We need cover at hooker and the signing of Michael means we will not be exposed in that area. His brother had a great game on Saturday, against Bath and he will want to prove himself in a Falcons jersey.”
An interesting fact is that the Falcons’ Man of the Match from last weekend's game against the Bath Rugby is the Michael Mayhew’s older brother.
The 24-year-old Mayhew has expressed his excitement on being able to play and compete with the players in the Northern Hemisphere. He said, “It's great to finally arrive and it has been a very long flight. I'm very much looking forward to getting amongst it."
Mayhew expressed his desire to work hard and play a role in bringing success to the club during the season. He has also joined the rest of the squad at the Kingston Park. He termed the environment at the Falcons’ headquarters as “professional and welcoming”. Furthermore, he has praised the training and development facilities available for players.
Besides Mayhew, Falcons are expecting the arrival of the South African centre Corne Uys in the next couple of weeks.
Furthermore, the rest of the Falcons signing for their 2011/12 season includes Richard Boyle from Tynedale, Will Chudley from Bedford Blues, Dan Frazier from Doncaster Knights, Jordi Pasqualin from Gloucester Rugby, Joe Robinson from Tynedale, and Rikki Sheriffe. Other overseas players include Richard Mayhew from Esher, Ryan Shortland from Otago, Jamie Helleur from Auckland, Taiasina Tu'ifua from Counties Manukau, Greg Goosen from La Rochelle, and Ashley Wells from Griquas.
Newcastle Falcons will play their next match of the 2011/12 Aviva Premiership season against the Leicester Tigers. Falcons will host the Tigers at the Kingston Park on Saturday, September 17.
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