Sale Sharks have re-signed academy product and fans’ favourite Cameron Neild on a short-term deal until the end of the current season.
The abrasive back-rower made more than 130 appearances for the club in his first stint after making his debut in a Premiership game against Bath in September 2014.
The 29-year-old left Sale to join Worcester Warriors at the end of the 2021/22 season but after short-term spells at Glasgow and Edinburgh, was left without a club.
He’s now signed a contract until the end of the current campaign to offer Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson more options in the Premiership and Challenge Cup run-in.
Cameron said: “This is my hometown club, the club I support and I grew up playing here from a young age so it’s great to be back.
“The coaching staff are the same and it’s great to see some of the lads who I’ve played with for years, like Tommy Taylor and Ross Harrison. Obviously some lads have moved on but it’s brilliant to be back playing and training with good mates.
“It was a surprise to get the call. I was on holiday in Tenerife with my family and a message came through asking if I’d be up for coming back. Obviously my immediate answer was yes.
“I think I’ve matured while I’ve been away but I’m still the same player. I still try and be as abrasive and physical as possible and that’s what I’ll be doing if I get the chance to play.
“I’m not looking beyond this season personally. For the team, I’m thinking ‘let’s go and win the league.’ Results haven’t been what we want but I’ve noticed a massive drive to put that right. There’s so much talent here, and a great coaching staff and I don’t see any reason why we can’t go on a winning run.”
Alex said: “We’re all buzzing to have Cam back until the end of the season. He trained with us in pre-season, before going to Edinburgh so he’s been in and out. At a time when we’re facing a bit of an injury crisis in the back five, it was an automatic decision to go back to him, cap-in-hand to ask if he could help us out.
“He was the first person we thought of and the first person we called because we know what we’re getting. He knows the lads, he knows the place and he’s a quality player.
“With him being a free agent and us needing numbers and support, it was a really easy decision for both him and us.
“Players do come and go but I want a situation where there is never any bad blood when someone leaves, and the door is always open to return. For Cam, it’s an easy move for him to come back because of the honest relationship we’ve had.”
