Ormsby not for Sale

SALE SHARKS second row Kris Ormsby will miss the clash with Munster this weekend.

Ormsby was cited for a dangerous charge on Clermont Auvergne’s Julien Pierre in last week’s tie in France, and has been suspended for a week.

The 6‘4’’ New Zealander has received a one-week suspension for ‘a dangerous charge’ on Pierre.

Ormsby, who has the right of appeal, was summoned before a disciplinary committee chaired by Ireland’s Mark McParland, assisted by Rob Flockhart (Scotland) and Simon Thomas (Wales).

Meanwhile Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre has urged Luke McAlister to shun the All Blacks for another year and extend his stay at Edgeley Park until 2010.

After early criticism of his form, the 24-year-old back has been scintillating of late, claiming the Premiership’s player-of-the-month award for September and leading last weekend’s Heineken Cup rout of Clermont Auvergne.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry suggested McAlister might struggle to return to his team when he finally decides to return home but Saint-Andre blasted that suggestion and called on the former Auckland Blues star to extend his stay.

“Luke has improved as a player since he arrived. He is very happy here,” Saint-Andre said.

“It will be good for his international rugby if he stays. He will understand the northern hemisphere mentality better.”