Will Bond or won't he?

The name's Bond
By Sarah Braide
June 18 2002

Graeme Bond reportedly signed for Sale last week with the club imposing the usual condition that he passed a medical. But now the signing has been thrown into doubt as he considers the effect of the move on his international career.

In fact it seems that the Aussie press were never sure about this move in the first place, though Sale Sharks themselves made it public.

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones last week told Aussie website Rugby Heaven:

"Graeme indicated to me that he hasn't signed with the English club, and therefore he will continue to be selected for the Australian A team until we find out something to the contrary."

And Bond, who has been a regular Australia A squad member, played in the first of their matches against France A which went Australia's way on Tuesday in Adelaide. It was a narrow 32-31 win that reports say was played at a high standard.

Perhaps his performance in these A internationals will be a factor in his decision of whether to stay in Australia and persevere with the internationals or take the money and run to England. For the moment Sale have not said any more about whether the move is on or off.