Saracens pull in Marshall
16 Jan 2009
Justin Marshall has signed for Saracens on a season-long deal.
The New Zealander was granted an early release from his contract with French Top 14 club Montpellier to join Saracens as cover for injured South African scrumhalf Neil de Kock. Marshall will, however, have to bide his time, as he is seen as third choice behind Moses Rauluni and Mickey Wilson.
“Justin is one of the most experienced scrumhalves in the world and a really tough competitor,” explained Saracens’ Director of Rugby, Eddie Jones.
“He will provide great support for Moses and Mickey and we’re lucky to be able to sign someone with his knowledge of the game. We’ve got an exciting few months ahead of us as we challenge for trophies in the European Challenge Cup and Guinness Premiership and we’re looking forward to Justin playing his part in that.”
Marshall, who was capped 88 times for the All Blacks, recently made the headlines when he refused to enter a game off the bench for Montpellier.
“After recent discussions with Montpellier in relation to my one year contract, it was mutually agreed that I wouldn’t renew,” said Marshall. “In light of the current changes at the club and the Saracens approach, the timing fits just right. This decision works well for Montpellier, Saracens and for myself.
“Montpellier have been very attentive in their listening and have facilitated me making a quick decision. I’d like to express my thanks to the club and its supporters. Saracens is a high profile, quality club, and I’m looking forward to joining up with the squad. There’s still a good chunk of the season remaining, and I’m excited about contributing on and off the field.”
27 Comments
16 Jan 2009, 08:34 am
Marshalling the Dragons?
16 Jan 2009, 09:03 am
Is he coming to the Cape?
16 Jan 2009, 09:17 am
He an Kellehar would still walk into the NZ team. A class above the AB’s current 9′s.
16 Jan 2009, 09:22 am
This is a class outfit and will push the stormers to the limit.
Great experience and skill set in the backs and forwards of Saracens and Eddie Jones would just love to stick it to a Saffa team at Newlands.
One step closer to Eddie becoming the Springbok coach for 2011.
16 Jan 2009, 09:30 am
He wouldnt even play off the bench? He seems to have quite an ego….
16 Jan 2009, 10:15 am
#4 Gordon Gekko: high praise for Saracens, they’re not bad but I wouldn’t call them a class outfit. I’m interested to see how they fare against the Stormers who will be right up for it.
16 Jan 2009, 11:13 am
Andrew Merhtens and Justin Marshall – those two, deadly combination (for NZ) back in the day
16 Jan 2009, 11:37 am
#7 Sheriff:
It was touch and go in the final, very close that one Merhtens drop goal….we got lucky.
But then again, Ruben’s try should have been awarded.
16 Jan 2009, 11:39 am
#8 Pietman:
Absolutely. Ruben scored that try!
16 Jan 2009, 12:12 pm
I thought he was old
16 Jan 2009, 14:33 pm
#4 Gordon Gekko:
you gecko from way back when?
if so, good to see you. what you think of RWC team?
16 Jan 2009, 14:56 pm
#11 cab:
Yo cab – this is a new captain of industry – here to hire & fire
16 Jan 2009, 15:10 pm
Ryan dear boy best you start brushing up on the Saracens outfit.
This will give you a headstart – so you do not need to wait for a teamsheet next week.
Especially with some veteran dogs of war like Cobus Visagie, Wikus Van Heerden, Chris Jack and the famous pugilist who stopped Bob Skinstad in a little tete a tete, newcomer Justin Marshall, a more than competent replacement for Niel de Kock.
Matias Aguero
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Donald Barrell
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Steve Borthwick
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Andy Farrell
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Alex Goode
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Richard Haughton
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Chris Jack
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Glen Jackson
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Ben Jacobs
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Cencus Johnston
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Andy Kyriacou
Position: Hooker
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Francisco Leonelli
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Nick Lloyd
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Tom Mercey
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Fabio Ongaro
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Michael Owen
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Rodd Penney
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Adam Powell
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Kameli Ratuvou
Position: Wing
Date Of Birth: 06 Nov 1983 (25 years old)
Nickname: Kam
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Moses Rauluni
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Date Of Birth: 26 Jun 1975 (33 years old)
Nickname: Moji
Joined: 01 Jul 2004
Gordon Ross
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Date Of Birth: 08 Mar 1978 (30 years old)
Nickname: Goggsy
Joined: 01 Jul 2007
Tom Ryder
Position: Lock
Date Of Birth: 21 Feb 1985 (23 years old)
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Andy Saull
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Date Of Birth: 27 Aug 1988 (20 years old)
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David Seymour
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Ben Skirving
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Hayden Smith
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Kevin Sorrell
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Harry Spencer
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Edd Thrower
Position: Full Back/Wing
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Wikus Van Heerden
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Cobus Visagie
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Date Of Birth: 31 Oct 1973 (35 years old)
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Hugh Vyvyan
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Alex Walker
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Micky Wilson
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Jackson Wray
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Chris Wyles
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16 Jan 2009, 15:19 pm
Oh dear oh dear he must be nearly 40 years old. Well at least he is still getting a good retirement check playing with the rest of the old timers in the retirement league.
16 Jan 2009, 16:27 pm
#13 Gordon Gekko:
dunno that saracents squad looks pretty beatable, got good locks in borthwick and jack, and wickus will add something, but stormers might run them ragged.
should be interesting to see, wonder what rules played under?
16 Jan 2009, 16:37 pm
Justin Marshall was the definition of class . No scrum half in world rugby (except Weepu when on form) can begin to challenge his majestic play. Mehrtens and him were the best in their respective positions in the professional era . Its great to see him still playing.
16 Jan 2009, 20:22 pm
Who cares about 2nd rate NH rugby?
16 Jan 2009, 21:18 pm
#17clayfin – Actually, NH rugby has improved in recent years . I thought it was rubbish too and it certainly isnt near S14 standard. However, the standards have improved in the past 3 years and any rugby is better than none confirm ??
16 Jan 2009, 22:13 pm
#16 rugbygenius: he’s still good to watch. A very competitive player with an edge. I enjoyed watching him with Leeds & Ospreys. As I understand it Montpelier asked him to come off the bench at the very end of a game. Not the sort of thing you do with a player who has earned 88 AB caps. They had no respect evidently, stupid on their part:-(
17 Jan 2009, 01:20 am
Nice to be able to havehim and other 3 scrum halves
A very good player at his prime playing days, and still not bad now.
17 Jan 2009, 01:33 am
I agree 100% Jim T . Its good to hear someone speaking sense and not just saying he’s old . Granted he may have lost a bit of pace and nearing the end of his career, but he still dictates play so well. It will be awesome to watch him go.
P.S. Can someone tell me how do I reply to someone and make their name go yellow like mine above ?
17 Jan 2009, 01:46 am
#21 rugbygenius:
Rugbygenius, All you need to do is click on the arrow on the left next to the end of the name of the person you want to respond to.
This will highlight his name in your response.
17 Jan 2009, 16:22 pm
#22 CoachPete: Thanks very much Coach Pete. Have a great weekend mate !
17 Jan 2009, 16:29 pm
I have been following the antics of Marshall and he is lucky to get another contract
18 Jan 2009, 22:52 pm
Marshall is a rugby ***** and has no class. What sort of player refuses to come off the bench to play. This will be his 4th club in Europe. At least the other ABs are loyal to their teams over there (Carlos, Kelleher, Reihana, can’t see Evans leaving Harlequins).
18 Jan 2009, 23:16 pm
#25 BrumbyIV:
He was a great player but i think its gone to head a bit.I think he believes he is better than most and this is the attitude he is displaying.
#24 church – like chch but pronounceable:
Yep i agree,he shouldnt be playing with that sort of ****
19 Jan 2009, 00:18 am
I can see why Kelleher didn’t get on with Marshall. That kind attitude won’t work when he has to get a real job after Rugby
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