Sale Sharks’ director of rugby Steve Diamond knows what new signing and former South African international Brian Mujati can bring to a team and is hoping for similar success this time round.
Tighthead prop Mujati, 30, has joined the Manchester club on a two-year deal from Racing Metro having previously been at Northampton Saints where he notched up 100 games.
Diamond – whose Sale troops welcome Leicester on Saturday in the Kings of the North tournament – signed Mujati when he headed up Northampton’s recruitment department and has only positive memories.
“I spotted Brian and he was an instant success at Franklins Gardens,” Diamond told Sale’s website.
“He gives 100% every game and was very popular with the fans. I am sure the Sharks fans will be very happy with the signing.
“This is a great signing for the club and will give us plenty of firepower up front. Vadim Cobilas was outstanding last season at tight head, but we had to rely on him every single game.”
Securing Mujati’s signature will be music to the coaching staff and players’ ears given their usual battle to compete with many Premiership clubs possessing bigger squads.
“We can use both Brian and Vadim to our advantage and along with Ross Harrison and Eifion Lewis-Roberts at loose head, and with Tommy Taylor and Neil Briggs at hooker, we will have a very competitive front three every game,” added Diamond.
“We also have Ciaran Parker, Cameron Neild and James Flynn knocking on the door too.”
Sale commenced their campaign in the inaugural Kings of the North tournament with a 36-22 defeat of Newcastle Falcons in the north east and Zimbabwean-born Mujati said he can’t wait to get started for the Sharks.
“I am delighted to be back in England and am really looking forward to playing in the Premiership again,” said Mujati, who played 12 times for the Springboks in 2008.
“My wife and children have settled in well in the North West and everyone has been so welcoming at the club – it’s a great place to be.
“I am looking forward to pulling on a jersey on Saturday afternoon.”
Sale also host the Falcons on October 2 before rounding off the tournament away to Leicester a week later as they prepare for their Premiership opener against champions Saracens on October 17.
“The Premiership is a highly competitive league to play in but we have some great players here at Sharks,” added Mujati.
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks, with thanks.
