Clermont sign Saracens full-back Brent Russell
15
October 2008
Clermont
have snapped up out-of-favour Springbok full-back Brent
Russell from English club Saracens.
The
28-year-old, who has yet to feature this season due to a
shoulder injury, has moved to France after dropping down the
pecking order at the Guinness Premiership side.
Russell,
who has 23 caps for South Africa, said he was initially
surprised by Clermont’s interest, but excited at the
prospect of playing in Top 14.
“The
offer from Clermont came out of left field and was totally
unexpected,” he admitted. “I had high expectations for my
season here at Saracens – especially after some good
pre-season training – and I was looking forward to playing
some great rugby when I damaged ligaments in my right
shoulder.
“Apart
from the series of injuries, I have been very settled and
happy here at Saracens and have made some very good mates I
will miss. However, the life of a professional sportsman is
all about taking one’s opportunities and the offer from
Clermont is a good one.
“I am
really looking forward to getting involved in the French
style of play and feel that playing in France will suit my
game. I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Russell’s time at Saracens has been blighted by injury, with
the full-back making just 16 appearances last season due to
a broken collarbone, a strained hamstring and a damaged
shoulder.
Saracens’ Australian coach Eddie Jones said he felt
compelled to allow Russell to move on.
“Brent
is at the stage where he needs to be playing regular first
team rugby and we are unable to offer that at this time,” he
said.
“With
that in mind, when this opportunity arose for Brent to move
to one of the leading clubs in France, we felt it would be
wrong to stand in his way.
“He’s
very popular with players and supporters alike and we all
wish him the best for the future,” added Jones.
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