Peel rubbishes Waratahs link

May 01, 2011
Sale Sharks scrum-half Dwayne Peel has dismissed reports linking him with a move to play Super Rugby for the New South Wales Waratahs.

It had been rumoured that the Waratahs had lined up Peel as a replacement for Luke Burgess, who is to join Toulouse after this year's Rugby World Cup. However, while Peel admits that he is flattered by the speculation, he insists that he has had no contact with the Australian outfit.

"That's just media speculation to be honest," he told BBC Sport. "There's nothing much in it really. I've obviously got another year left on my contract with Sale.

"It's great to be talked about in that vein and I'm not sure where it's come from. Obviously with Burgess leaving Waratahs it leaves them a nine short, I suppose. It's a great competition. I watch on TV. Obviously it's something I'd like to be involved in but I'm not sure. I'm 30 in August."

Peel has endured a trying season with the Sharks, who are currently third from bottom in the Aviva Premiership standings. However, the former British & Irish Lion is optimistic that Sale can turn things around next year.

"It's been frustrating to be honest," he said. "It's been a real difficult season for everyone involved with the club obviously with coaches coming in, coaches leaving. But hopefully next year we can move on. There's a lot happening behind the scenes at the club. There's players being signed on a daily basis almost.

"There's going to be a whole new squad next year. I'm optimistic for next year with some big players coming in."