Saint-Andre: Peel is world class

Jan 27 2008 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

PHILLIPE SAINT-ANDRE believes Dwayne Peel is the final piece in Sale Sharks bid for Heineken Cup glory, writes SIMON ROBERTS.

The Frenchman in charge of the Guinness Premiership outfit signed the Wales and Lions star on a two-year-deal earlier this month.

And the former French captain revealed that he has been a huge fan of Peel’s for years.

“Dwayne is a big, important signing for us,” said Saint-Andre. “I have been a big fan of his for the last four or five years and we have signed a world class No 9.

“He is one of the best scrum-halves in the world and has proved that with Wales, the Lions and the Scarlets.”

Peel’s decision to leave his beloved Scarlets was a bold one, and showed a desire to improve as a player.

The 26-year-old’s reputation as one of the best scrum-halves in the world is without question. The 59-times capped Welsh international played a pivotal role in Wales’ Grand Slam success of 2005 and he started all three Tests for the Lions against the All Blacks in the same year.

Saint-Andre admits he had his work cut out to tempt Peel to leave Wales.

“He loves the Scarlets but I think he felt he needed a change of scene,” said Saint-Andre. “I know it is difficult to leave what you know, but I think this is a good decision for him and Wales.

“I know when I left France to join Gloucester it was a big decision for my career and life, but it was a good one and something I don’t regret.

“The Welsh are a bit like the French, we love to stay with what we know.

“I will do my best to make sure Dwayne feels happy about coming to Sale.

“I am really looking forward to working with him and he will be a big player for us in the Heineken Cup.”

Peel, who captained Wales for the first time against Canada in the World Cup, will link up with England fly-half Charlie Hodgson at Heywood Road.

The pair, who toured with the Lions in 2005, could be seen as candidates for the 2009 tour to South Africa.

“Dwayne and Charlie excites me,” said Saint-Andre.

“I think they will work well together. Dwayne is a really intelligent scrum-half and I have always loved his vision for the game.

“He will really enjoy playing in front of our pack and I am sure that is one of the reasons he signed for us.

“We will give him the protection he needs and I know all the players are looking forward to him coming to Sale. I am just really happy that we got him.”

The sight of Peel, after learning his trade with Wales and Lions legend Scott Quinnell at Stradey, with Sebastien Chabal as his bodyguard at No 8, is a very compelling one.