Cairns signs for Sharks

By Jason Harris
May 19 2003

It has been announced by Sale Sharks that they have signed Saracens hooker Matt Cairns for next season. Cairns, who has just been called into the England squad to face the Barbarians at Twickenham, leave Sarries after making over 80 apperances.

Sharks Head Coach Jim Mallinder said "Matt is one of the most highly rated young hookers in the Zurich Premiershipand we are delighted he has agreed to join us."

24 year old Cairns was one of five players capable of filling the hooking role at Saracens. James Parkes, currently on loan at Worcester, Robbie Russell, Joe Ross and Johnny Marsters are the four remaining players who can play in the no2. shirt for the Men in Black.

* In other news, Sarries prop Mike Storey has been cited for an alleged stamping incident in the defeat at Newcastle Falcons on 4 May. Storey will face a disciplinary committee in Coventry on Tuesday 20 May.