Sharks chief urges McAlister to stay

Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre has urged Luke McAlister to shun the All Blacks for another year and extend his stay with the Guinness Premiership club.

After early criticism of his form following his move to England at the start of last season, 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 yesterday suggested McAlister might struggle to return to his team when he finally decides to return home – rules in the country prevent players featuring for the All Blacks if they ply their trade abroad.

Henry also expressed doubt over whether McAlister had improved during his time in England.

But Saint-Andre blasted that suggestion and called on the former Auckland Blues star to extend his stay at Edgeley Park for 12 months until 2010, before what seems an inevitable return to New Zealand ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

“Luke has improved as a player since he arrived. He is very happy here,” Saint-Andre told the Daily Express ahead of this weekend’s Heineken Cup clash with holders Munster.

“We want to keep everything clear for the Munster game but we will speak to him next week about the future.

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