Sam's the Man for Sharks

[TRF_Cymro]

Sale Sharks announce the appointment of SAM TUITUPOU as their captain. The 29-year-old New Zealander, who has played for Munster and Worcester Warriors since moving from Southern Hemisphere rugby, captained his country at Under 19 and Under 21 levels, and has also skippered Auckland.

http://www.premiershiprugby.com/premiership/news/28013.php​

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Odd choice
I think they should have named the captain after the warm-up games

Him being captain pretty much rules out Tonetti playing for most of the season, with them both playing 12
Would've had Tonetti/Leota as my first choice centres as well...

Ah well, I'm a big fan of Tuitupou anyway, so hopefully it'll work out alright in the end

 

[Gavin]

Sam is a quality club player but never seemed to hit the gears for Munster. Always remember him from his time with Auckland and people saying his shoulders were made of steel. Can't say why he hasn't had many international caps, but I think it's due to him not finding the right midfield partner to play with.

 

[nickdnz]

Sam is a quality club player but never seemed to hit the gears for Munster. Always remember him from his time with Auckland and people saying his shoulders were made of steel. Can't say why he hasn't had many international caps, but I think it's due to him not finding the right midfield partner to play with.

Well as good as he was (and he was good), he had to compete with players like Tana Umaga, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Aaron Mager and Luke McAlister for a spot in the midfield. Heard he's had a very good preseason with Sale, so it makes sense. I think the biggest factor in making him captain was that he wouldn't be taken away for International duty.

 

[187]

This is great news and I look forward to seeing more of him. He was a quality player when he was still plying his trade here in NZ. But yeah, he had some pretty stiff competition here, we were absolutely stacked with midfielders back then.