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Auckland - Called from the banks of the Waikato River by the All Blacks during the Rugby World Cup, another planned fishing excursion will be cut short as Stephen Donald’s new employers Bath have issued an urgent call.
Donald was called up originally from a white baiting fishing trip, named in the All Blacks World Cup squad to replace Colin Slade, who went the way of Dan Carter and withdrew due to injury.
According to the allblacks.com website, Bath Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan said they were looking forward to getting their new acquisition up to speed, especially after current flyhalf Sam Vesty missed three crucial kicks against London Irish - although he did kick what was eventually the match winning penalty, with Bath successful 13-12.
“Donald will be with us by the end of the week and have his first full training week ahead of the European game against Glasgow,” said McGeechan.
“Obviously he’s got to come across from the other side of the world. We’re just doing medical clearance and all the paperwork.”
McGeechan said Donald did deserve some time to celebrate, but said it was now time for him to come over.
“You don’t win a World Cup every year and I said to him he’s been part of it,” he said.
“Quite rightly he’s been celebrating for the last week. You’ve got to give somebody the chance to enjoy the moment because 99.9 percent of rugby people are never in that position.”
“He brings composure, a good kicking game and he’s a good passer of the ball. He’s a very talented player.”
Donald was called up originally from a white baiting fishing trip, named in the All Blacks World Cup squad to replace Colin Slade, who went the way of Dan Carter and withdrew due to injury.
According to the allblacks.com website, Bath Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan said they were looking forward to getting their new acquisition up to speed, especially after current flyhalf Sam Vesty missed three crucial kicks against London Irish - although he did kick what was eventually the match winning penalty, with Bath successful 13-12.
“Donald will be with us by the end of the week and have his first full training week ahead of the European game against Glasgow,” said McGeechan.
“Obviously he’s got to come across from the other side of the world. We’re just doing medical clearance and all the paperwork.”
McGeechan said Donald did deserve some time to celebrate, but said it was now time for him to come over.
“You don’t win a World Cup every year and I said to him he’s been part of it,” he said.
“Quite rightly he’s been celebrating for the last week. You’ve got to give somebody the chance to enjoy the moment because 99.9 percent of rugby people are never in that position.”
“He brings composure, a good kicking game and he’s a good passer of the ball. He’s a very talented player.”
