TOMMY HAYES SIGNS FOR BRISTOL

HILL SIGNS HAYES AS MARSDEN PLEDGES FUTURE


Bristol Shoguns head coach Richard Hill has bolstered his back division by landing Worcester fly-half Tommy Hayes and re-signing top try scorer Sean Marsden. Wing/full-back Marsden, 25, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Memorial Stadium until 2007.

The former Bristol Grammar School pupil became Bristol's record league try scorer last season after touching downs 21 times en route to the First Division title.

Hill said: "Sean is a good clubman as well as a good player. I think he will perform well in the Premiership and will keep improving.

"It is good news that he has signed for another two years.

"I hope to sign another winger for next season and there should be good competition for places."

Meanwhile, Hayes, 31, boasts plenty of experience having represented the Cook Islands at international level.

Former Glasgow Hawks player he enjoyed a lengthy spell at Glasgow and also masterminded Worcester's promotion from National League One a year ago.

The New Zealand-born player's chances were restricted in the Premiership last season with the Warriors preferring James Brown in the No 10 shirt.

But Hayes, who has joined on a two-year deal, still made 15 league appearances for the Sixways outfit and Hill believes he will fit in straight away when he arrives at the club on July 1.

Hill said: "I like the way Tommy plays, he is like a free spirit.

"I don't think he was suited to the way Worcester played last season. He prefers not to stick to a rigid game plan and enjoys freedom to play what he sees. This philosophy and skill will fit in exactly with the Bristol playing philosophy.

"He wants to play for two more years, he has plenty of experience and knows the game inside out. Tommy wants to play at Bristol and enjoy his rugby."

This article was posted on 28-May-2005, 13:51 by Hugh Barrow.