Shepherd to sue Saints

[McCloud]

Utility-back Shepherd to sue Northampton after move collapses

Thursday, August 16, 2012 - 08:39 AM

Cameron Shepherd is taking legal action against Northampton after the club terminated his contract for medical reasons.

The former Australia international utility-back was due to join the Saints on a three-year deal earlier this month after seven seasons with Super 15 side Western Force.

However, Northampton pulled the plug on the 28-year-old's move to Franklin's Gardens on medical advice. He has since joined their Aviva Premiership rivals Sale.

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder said at the time: "We obviously monitored Cameron's condition between signing his contract and his scheduled arrival and, after great consideration, felt that on balance we needed more certainty about his ability to handle the tough demands of our long season for the duration of his three-year contract,"

Shepherd's agent today issued a statement claiming he was "appalled at the behaviour of Northampton in respect of the manner in which his client and family were treated".

Nick Fordham said: "Expert medical reports from leading independent orthopaedic surgeons and Cameron's former club doctors at the Western Force have concluded that there is nothing wrong with Cameron's ankle."

Shepherd has been troubled by groin and wrist injuries and played just two games for the Force this year.

He made his Super rugby debut with the New South Wales Waratahs in 2004 and played nine tests for Australia between 2006 and 2010.


Irish Examiner

[John123]

Northampton continue to enhance their reputation...

[Speedee]

http://www.espnscrum.com/premiership...ry/168638.html

Shepherd's Agent:
Fordham responded with a statement of his own. "During this very stressful period, Cameron called several times for the man who lured him to the club - head coach Jim Mallinder - who didn't even have the decency to return his calls nor the courage to explain the position directly to Cameron.

Northampton:
"Northampton Saints had been prepared to sign Shepherd, who when fit is a talented player, on a generous three-year contract."Once terms had been agreed, the club flew lead physiotherapist, Matt Lee, to Melbourne to conduct the player's medical.
"During this medical, material information about Shepherd's left ankle came to light, about which the club had not been aware during the contract negotiation process.
"The player's ankle joint was scanned and the results sent to one of the UK's leading ankle specialists.
"Relying on his expert opinion, the club concluded that it was unlikely that Shepherd would be able to contribute fully to the club's squad throughout the three-year term, and decided not to proceed with the contract.

Bryan Redpath (Sale), on signing Shepherd:
"We're hoping to get him fully fit"


This is going to be an interesting one. Similar to the Tonga'uhia issue, there's probably going to be a lot of posturing on both sides followed by a quiet settlement.

[Dumptruck]

Aussies rarely stay quiet though.

[PEATB0G]

This is going to be an interesting one. Similar to the Tonga'uhia issue, there's probably going to be a lot of posturing on both sides followed by a quiet settlement.

Virtually all contracts are signed "subject to passing a medical examination" so i can't see what Shepherd has to back himself here. There's hardly a fully fit player left in professional rugby, so clubs have to protect themselves somehow. The amount of retirements due to injury means they have to be wary.