Sharks get back veteran prop
Sale Sharks have revealed that prop forward Eifion Lewis Roberts is to return to the club on a three-year deal.
Eifion (30) joined Sharks in 2005 from Clwb Rygbi Rhuthun, in his native Clwyd Valley, and progressed via the Jets to make his senior debut against Scarlets in December that year.
He swiftly acquired the nickname ‘The Fridge’, as a tribute to the impact made by Chicago Bears’ defensive lineman William Perry; Lewis Roberts having posed a massive presence in the Sharks’ front row.
Eifion has one Welsh cap, gained against Canada in 2008, and has played for RC Toulon since 2010.
“Fridge is a great signing for us. He’s a very popular lad here; he knows the club very well and I know that he will be a big crowd favourite once more,” said Sharks Chief Executive Steve Diamond.
“He’s had a great experience out in France with Toulon and he’ll come back all the better for playing over there. Eifion can play both sides of the scrum and he’s very durable and very hard working, which is what you need in those positions.
“He will give us that experience, which was what we need in the pack, and we just can’t wait to have him back here again.”
Lewis Roberts added: “I’m grateful that Sale Sharks have given me the opportunity to return. There have been a lot of changes – all good, including the way the team’s playing. They want to win things, and I’m massively keen to do everything I can to help the club.
“I’ve enjoyed my time in France – it’s a tough league, with a different type of game, more focused on the set piece.
“This is a decision for my family: my wife Nia is expecting our second child in June. It’s the right time to come back.”
